In an announcement that is sure to make a sometimes difficult process easier the VA gives Veterans option to register for healthcare via telephone. This beneficial change is effective in a phased, two-step plan: Combat Veterans may use the telephone registration system beginning today and all the option will be open to all other Veterans on July 5, 2016.
This new system is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Enrollment Rework Project, designed to get all Combat Veterans enrolled ASAP and all other pending enrollments (for living and deceased Veterans) completed this summer. The amended regulation allowing telephonic registration is available on the Federal Register website.
The National Council for Aging Care’s guide on Military Veteran Benefit Options also provides a helpful guide to help Veteran seniors navigate their benefits.
According to VA Deputy Secretary Sloan D. Gibson, “This improvement to our Veterans’ experience is one we can implement now, and it’s the right thing to do for Veterans. Enrolling all 31,000 Combat Veterans with pending applications is the top priority in our effort to fix our enrollment system. Our analysis of our current application process convinced me we could enroll Veterans more quickly using this method, particularly Combat Veterans and those who are transitioning from active duty to Veteran status.”
There are now three methods our Veterans can use to register for healthcare benefits:
- In person with the paper VA Form 10-10 EZ
- Online Form 10-10 EZ
- By phone at: 1-877-222-VETS (8387), 8AM to 8PM, Monday – Friday, EST.
The VA offers Veterans an enhancement to their enrollment experience via “Welcome to VA (W2VA).” For those Veterans enrolled since July 1, 2015, the VA sends a personal introduction to VA healthcare services, resources & programs to familiarize new enrollees with the VA’s services, as well as an introductory letter and a personalized handbook. This is sent via the mail. W2VA also calls new enrollees after enrollment to offer assistance with healthcare questions and setting up an initial appointment at the enrollees’ preferred VA healthcare facility.
Veterans who would like more information can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-84440.
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