What Is the Veterans Health Administration?

by Jon Faranda

Overview

The Veterans Health Administration, a division within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides health care to former members of the U.S. military, as well as to their spouses and children under certain conditions.
Eligibility

Anyone who has served on active duty is eligible to apply for VHA health-care programs, including reservists called to active duty by federal mandate.

Benefits

The Veterans Health Administration provides health care with no deductible and low co-pays, and typically with no monthly premium.
Family Members

The Veterans Health Administration provides reimbursement of medical expenses for spouses and dependents of certain veterans (generally, those who are disabled or killed in the line of duty) through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Medical Centers

Veterans covered by VHA health plans are entitled to receive health care at any of the more than 150 VA medical centers located throughout the United States.
Mental Health

In addition to providing physical rehabilitation, the VHA health-care program also offers treatments for mental-health disorders, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.