There are millions of veterans in America, and many of them at times may need assistance paying their medical bills. Health care costs around the country continue to rise, making it difficult for people to afford. Although health insurance rates are supposed to be affordable for everyone, that’s simply not the case. The good news is that there are medical bills assistance programs for veterans, and they can be important in helping to get medical bills paid.
Even going to the doctor or hospital for a minor condition can lead to major medical bills. This can create a stressful situation for any veterans who may find it difficult to pay the all their medical bills. There are medical bill assistance programs for veterans, with most of them being funded by the federal government. Other assistance programs are available through state run programs, and still others through helpful nonprofit organizations.
Types of Medical Bills Assistance Programs for Veterans
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) – Veterans who have a health condition that is related to their time spent in the military may qualify for free health care. Depending on the health condition, you may have to pay co-pays for your health care, but the rest of the bills are paid for through the federal government. To qualify for free health care through the VA, you have to meet the military service requirements, and they will do an income verification process. If you have private health insurance in addition to the VA health care assistance, you may not have to pay any co-pays for your care. You can apply for VA care online. To apply, click here.
Financial Hardship – The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers a Financial Hardship program that may help with paying bills. Those who are having difficulty paying their medical expenses may qualify for assistance through the program. The program pays medical co-pay expenses for those who qualify. They also offer a monthly payment plan program for those who have medical bills and need an extended period of time to pay on them. The VA Financial Hardship program also provides a waiver for existing debt for those who qualify for the assistance. You can apply for Financial Hardship assistance in person or by mail. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – The federal government offers a nationwide health care program called Medicaid. The program provides free or nearly free health care for those who qualify. Veterans who qualify for the health care program can receive medical bill assistance. The program helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, dental care, vision care, and prescriptions. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply in person. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – The federal government offers a cash assistance program for those who meet the eligibility requirements. The TANF program will provide a monthly cash grant to those who meet the requirements, which include being low income and being a citizen or legal immigrant. The cash grants can be used on a variety of living expenses, including using it to pay medical bills. Veterans who need assistance paying for medical bills may qualify for TANF. You can apply in person at your local social services office, and some states allow you to apply online. The TANF program usually requires that people have at least one minor dependent child in the home. Veterans who do not have a minor dependent child in the home should inquire with their local social services office about a General Assistance program. Some states offer a General Assistance program, which provides monthly cash grants and one-time grants to help those in need who do not have minor dependents in the home. To apply, click here.
The medical bills assistance programs for veterans can be helpful for those who are short on cash, but have bills that need to be paid. In addition to these programs, you can also check with your local church and nonprofit organizations to see what kind of medical bill assistance programs they offer. Many churches and local organizations will offer short term and one-time payment assistant programs to help those in need. Your local social services department may also be able to tell you about nearby community based programs that can help.