What about Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or VA benefits?
You may be able to obtain medical services through the Veterans Health Administration (VA). The VA does not provide insurance. When it comes to planning, consider how receiving care from the VA can benefit your financial condition.
The VA medical system prioritizes care based on a variety of factors, including your military service history, disability rating, and income level. If you have a service-related disability that necessitates continuing treatment, you should consider receiving it from the VA. It could be free or less expensive than going to a non-VA doctor or facility.
Receiving care from the VA does not limit you to only seeing their doctors. Keep in mind that if you seek treatment from a non-VA doctor, you will almost certainly be using your health insurance and will need to budget for those charges.
Understanding the terminology for post-military health insurance expenses. As you learn new health-care terminology, become acquainted with the following terms, which all describe charges that you will be responsible for.
Premiums:
This is the amount you will pay each month for your insurance.
Deductibles are the amounts you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. After you’ve paid your deductible, your insurance kicks in. Assume you have a $2,000 deductible and need a $10,000 treatment. You would be liable for $2,000, while insurance would cover the remaining $8,000. After you’ve met your deductible, you normally simply have to pay for co-insurance or co-pays.
Copayments and coinsurance:
These charges are paid at the point of service, such as a $20 co-pay for a doctor’s appointment.
Maximum out-of-pocket expense: Aside from your premiums and any undisclosed charges, this is the most you’ll pay in a single insurance year.
Why does retiring vs. separating matter?
If you leave the military, you will not be eligible for TRICARE. As a civilian, you will be able to purchase health care. Read our article How to Get Health Insurance: 5 Steps for Shopping for the Right Coverage for You for additional information on how to get started.
