Post-Incarceration Access to VA Health Care Benefits Extended to Eligible #Veterans

Veterans recently released from incarceration, or soon to be released, should be made aware of the following from the VA:

"In an effort to provide eligible Veterans access to VA health care benefits while transitioning from incarceration, VA has revised its policy to afford eligible Veterans access to VA healthcare benefits and services while in halfway houses and other temporary, post-incarceration housing. VA recognizes that the lack of access to healthcare, particularly mental healthcare, may contribute to newly released Veteran inmates becoming homeless or ultimately returning to prison. Long established, previous VA policy inhibited VA from providing access healthcare benefits and services to Veterans for whom another federal, state or local government, to include Veterans incarcerated in jails and prisons, has an obligation to provide health care. Revised VA policy enables VA to provide access to healthcare benefits and services to Veterans who reside in halfway houses and other temporary, post-incarceration housing.

If you are a Veteran previously enrolled in the VA healthcare system, please contact VA toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) for more information.  If you are a recently released inmate who meets the basic eligibility requirements of a Veteran; however, you never applied for VA healthcare benefits,  please consider applying for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. You may apply online by visiting VA website at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. In addition, you may apply by calling VA toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or if convenient, you may apply in person by visiting your local VA medical facility."

Medical care can be a serious issue for clients who are re-integrating into the community. It is to everyone's advantage that those who are eligible for this program apply as soon as possible. Learn More at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/.