Can a veteran go to any hospital in an emergency?
Asked by: Mr. Winfield Schmidt PhD | Last update: May 8, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (5 votes)
Can a veteran go to any ER?
If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (ED) right away. Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling for an ambulance or going to an ED.
Can Veterans be seen at any hospital?
As a Veteran, you may be eligible to get care outside VA. This means we'll pay for the cost of your care from a health care provider in our community care network. Keep reading on this page to find out if you're eligible for community care. Note: You can still always choose to get care at a VA health facility.
Can Veterans use base hospitals?
Some military hospitals have VA beds, although most do not. It is a matter of geography. Someone who has served long enough to be retired (in most cases, that would be 20 years or more) can seek care at a military hospital on a “space available” basis.
Can military members go to any ER?
As an active duty service member: You must call your PCM or use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to book an appointment at your assigned military hospital or clinic. If you're unable to go to your PCM or military hospital or clinic, you'll need a referral or pre-authorization to seek outside care with a network provider.
3 MUST KNOW Facts about Emergency Care for Veterans | theSITREP
Can I go to any hospital with VA insurance?
If you're far from a VA medical center, we may pay for emergency care in a non-VA setting. Be sure to contact your nearest VA medical center as soon as possible—and ask to talk to the patient transfer or patient administration representative.
Can the military go to a civilian hospital?
The Military Health System is a global, comprehensive, integrated system. Depending on your plan, you'll get care from a military hospital or clinic, a civilian network of providers, or TRICARE-authorized non-network providers.
Can a veteran see a doctor outside of the VA?
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Can honorably discharged veterans shop at the PX?
These veterans retain the same in-store and online privileges they have always had. How does this benefit affect members of the reserve force? It allows all honorably discharged veterans access to shop the military exchanges online.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
No! You get VA Healthcare if you have a service connected injury or illness. Any Veteran can be treated by VA but there can be costs, sometimes large costs.
Do all Veterans get healthcare through the VA?
All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care. The full list of your covered benefits depends on: Your priority group, and. The advice of your VA primary care provider (your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant), and.
How long can a Veteran stay in a VA hospital?
Veterans may stay for a short time or, in rare instances, for the rest of their life. It is a place where Veterans can receive nursing home level of care, which includes help with activities of daily living and skilled nursing and medical care.
Can you eat in the hospital emergency room?
Eating/Drinking: In the Emergency Department, we may need to do tests/procedures to rule out various illnesses. Some of these tests require patients to have an empty stomach. If you'd like to eat/drink something while you wait, please talk with an Emergency Department staff member prior to doing so.
What is the VA 72 hour rule?
Notifying VA of an emergency event allows covered Veterans to have their emergency treatment authorized by VA. Failure to report emergency care to VA within 72 hours of the start of the emergency treatment may impact your eligibility for VA to cover the cost of treatment.
How do I notify the VA I went to the ER?
through VA's Emergency Care Reporting (ECR) portal, https://EmergencyCareReporting.CommunityCare. va.gov, or by calling 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842).
Can the spouse of a veteran go to the VA hospital?
In some cases, VA offers health care and services for a Veteran's family members and dependents (beneficiaries) based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements. VA serves more than 360,000 beneficiaries through its family member and dependent health care benefit programs.
Can all veterans go to the commissary?
A: Only eligible veterans who have been issued a VHIC from VA can present their VHIC to gain entry to DoD and Coast Guard installations and to access commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare, and recreation retail activities.
Can I use my VA ID to get on base?
Veterans currently use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program.
What does 90% VA disability entitle you to?
Individuals with 90 percent VA disability ratings are eligible for VR&E benefits. These benefits provide career services and counseling, including training, resume development, and other assistance.
Can a veteran go to a regular hospital?
The VA ended its Choice Program in 2019 but adopted many of the elements of that program into its Veteran Community Care program. It enables veterans to receive healthcare services through non-VA healthcare providers in their local communities as long as they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Will the VA pay for ER visits?
If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please note that VA can only pay for a Veteran's emergency care under certain conditions. For more information, visit the Emergency Care page.
Will the VA fill a prescription from an outside doctor?
Answer: The VA Medical Center will only fill non-VA prescriptions for veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system and are in receipt of Aid and Attendance (A&A) or housebound benefits or have been authorized by VA to receive care in the community.
Can the military go to urgent care?
You can get urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. If you're enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan and seek urgent care from a non-network provider outside of a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center, you'll have to pay point-of-service option cost-shares.
Can civilians use VA hospitals?
Most medical facilities (military, civilian, public, private) are required to render aid to emergencies threatening an individual's life, limb or eyesight — but routine care in VA Healthcare facilities is reserved for eligible veterans.
Do military veterans have a right to medical care in the US?
If you're retiring, you're eligible for TRICARE. You may also qualify for certain VA health care benefits. If you're separating from service due to a service-connected illness or injury, you may be eligible for VA health care benefits and certain TRICARE benefits.