Apply for VA Healthcare

The very first step in obtaining access to your VA Health Benefits is to apply for enrollment. Effective immediately, Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, can complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. All other Veterans may apply by phone starting July 5, 2016 or schedule an appointment by calling our office at (805) 781-5766.

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/

 


What is the process?

What documents and information do I need to apply?

  • Your most recent tax return
  • Social Security numbers for yourself and your qualified dependents
  • Account numbers for any current health insurance you already have (like Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer)

Enrollment

By Telephone

The telephone application option is a more convenient way to apply for enrollment, and eliminates the need for a signed paper application.

  • VA staff members will collect the needed information and process the enrollment application for an enrollment determination.
  • To apply, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri between 8 am and 8 pm, EST.

By Mail:

Pick up an application at your local VA or download, print, and fill out the 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care. Complete the application (be sure to sign it) and mail to:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

Apply Online

Fill out the application online and electronically submit it to VA for processing. No need for additional documents to verify military service. If you were recently discharged, we will get your military information for you.

  • Click here to complete the healthcare application online.
  • Once you complete the application, you may submit your application online.
  • You will immediately receive a confirmation message notifying you that your application has been received.
  • A signature is not required for online registration.
  • For more information about the application process, click here.
  • You will also receive information about the appeals process, if you do not agree with the enrollment decision.

Apply in Person

You many schedule an appointment at your local Veterans Services Office for assistance with the application process or you may apply in person at your local VA health care facility.

 

 

 

Who can use this service?

Eligible veterans may use this benefit.

Military Service Requirements

  • Veterans must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and separated under any conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Most Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty. This includes current and former members of the Reserve or National Guard called to active duty by a federal order.

Application Requirements

  • Proof of discharge papers such as DD214
  • Any additional health insurance information, including coverage through a spouse or domestic partner
  • Wage and financial information, including previous calendar-year gross income for the Veteran, spouse, and dependent children

Want to know what items you should bring to your appointment?  Please review Healthcare-Enrollment-Checklist-2018.docx

 

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions