VETERANS MEDICAL SERVICES –
U.S. DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical centers, clinics and hospitals provide a range of medical and mental health services to eligible veterans.  Information on medical facilities in Connecticut can be found at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System website: www.connecticut.va.gov/

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a honorably discharged veteran with;
  • any number of days wartime duty, OR
  •  at least 90 days of active duty served before Sept. 1980, OR
  • at least 2 years active duty served after Sept. 1980
• Reserve time does not count

PRESCRIPTIONS
Eligible veterans can receive prescription medications for outpatient treatment at a nominal cost.  Medications must be prescribed by a VA health care provider and be on the VA's Drug Formulary list: www.pbm.va.gov/NationalFormulary.aspx
The VA will not charge a veteran for co-payments under certain circumstances.  Further information can be found at the VA web site:www.va.gov/healtheligibility/costs/OutpatientPrescriptionCopay.asp

DENTAL CARE
Dental care is not provided unless the veteran is 100% service-connected for a mouth condition.

In Connecticut, the Soldier's, Sailors' and Marines' Fund (SSMF) will help needy veterans pay for dental expenses if the veteran is eligible for assistance under SSMF guidelines. Further information can be found at the SSMF website: www.ct.gov/ssmf/site/default.asp

VETERANS WITH OTHER HEALTH COVERAGE
Eligible veterans covered by other health insurance can also enroll in the VA health care system and use the VA system as a primary or secondary insurer.

TO ENROLL
Any veteran who wants to seek medical services must fill out an application to enroll for services. Veterans must present DD214 at time of enrollment.

Enroll in person at a veterans health center; or apply online or download an application form from:www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by agency name: Veterans Affairs, United States Dept. of - Conn. Healthcare System

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SOURCE:VA New England Health Care System website
PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED:June2008