World War II-Era Veterans Urged to Apply for VA Health Benefits

Anyone who served in the United States military in the early 1940s and who is not already receiving health care benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) system is being urged by Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez to apply for those benefits now.

Recent legislation, she said, ensures that veterans who previously were not approved are now entitled to such health care.

“Anyone who served in the U.S. military for any length of time between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, is eligible for VA health care benefits, but they must apply because the VA cannot automatically enroll them,” Sanchez said.

The Cleland-Dole Act, signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022, expanded previous law to make these veterans eligible for VA care – even if they applied before and were not approved due to their income level, Sanchez explained.

VA health care is rated among the best in America, offers immediate benefits of health care coverage, is exemption from co-payments for inpatient and outpatient care, and satisfies the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for individuals to have health care coverage.

“There are no enrollment fees, monthly premiums or deductibles,” Sanchez added, saying that VA care is offered at low or no out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, those who are approved for VA health care have automatic eligibility for VA Community Care.

“And, when enrolled in VA health care benefits, you have the option to use your private providers and use Medicare or private health insurance to meet your care needs,” she said.

“If you were deferred before, please consider applying again. All World War II-era veterans should apply to be sure they get the benefits they earned and deserve,” Sanchez said.

To apply online, visit www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply. Applicants also can call the VA’s toll-free number at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and speak to a customer service representative, get answers to their questions or start the enrollment process.

Or, simply visit the Kerrville VA Medical Center in person or by calling its Enrollment & Eligibility Office at 830-792-2444.

U.S. veterans from the early 1940s will be, at a minimum, in Priority Group 6, but could be placed even higher if they have other eligibilities.

Anyone who has questions about VA benefits is welcome to call the Kerr County Veterans Service Office at 830-792-2203.

For additional information about VA health care, visit: www.va.gov/health-care.

New eligibility for these benefits is just one facet of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022. This piece of legislation requires the VA to expand eligibility parameters, establish pilot programs, ensure the quality of care and access to care, conduct a feasibility analysis for program expansion and more.