Veterans and the Affordable Care Act

Our nation is committed to the men and women who have served this country. That is why the Affordable Care Act brings new choices in health care for veterans like you – and your family.

The Affordable Care Act does not affect the health care you may already receive from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). If you are eligible for VA health care, you will remain eligible under health reform. But it’s important to know that nothing in the legislation will affect your access to the care you currently receive. Nor does the Act change the TRICARE or TRICARE for Life benefits your family may receive. 

Note: TRICARE has a young adult coverage option. This is different than the health care law's under 26 provision.

In addition:

• If you are a veteran enrolled in the VA health program, you do not need to obtain additional coverage. You may purchase additional coverage if you want, but there is nothing in the law requiring you to do so.
• Even if you receive VA health care, under the law you will have a new option to enroll in an additional insurance plan through the new health insurance Exchanges, which open in 2014.
• If you are a veteran with private insurance coverage, you will benefit from the new consumer protections. This means that you will not be dropped from your insurance company if you get sick or injured and you won’t have to worry about lifetime limits on how much insurance companies will cover if you get sick.
• If you are a veteran who is not eligible for VA health care or other coverage, you and your family may be eligible to receive tax credits for insurance you buy in the Exchanges. The Exchanges will provide access to much needed care to veterans who are uninsured and who are not eligible for VA health care.

Posted on: July 1, 2010

Lasted updated: December 5, 2012