There are an estimated 22.3 million veterans in the United States, making them a sizable voting bloc. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are constantly trying to find ways to help veterans and their families. One of the most popular ways to help veterans is through health insurance. In this blog post, we will explore how much veterans pay for health insurance and what options they have available to them. From government-run programs to private plans, read on to learn all you need to know about veteran health insurance.
What is health insurance?
Veterans Affairs health care is not free. In fact, veterans routinely pay more for health insurance than the general population. According to a study by NPR, veterans pay an average of $1,233 per year for health insurance, more than double the national average. This high cost is in large part due to the fact that Veterans Affairs offers some of the best medical coverage in the United States. However, many veterans find themselves struggling to afford this cost and have to turn to private insurance or government assistance to cover their costs.
The types of health insurance
Veterans Affairs health insurance is provided through the government, and it is one of the most comprehensive types of health insurance. The VA has a network of hospitals and clinics across the country, so veterans can get care no matter where they are. There are two types of coverage offered through the VA: medical care and burial benefits. Medical care coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescription drugs. Burial benefits include funeral services and burial expenses. Veterans can also choose to enroll in private health insurance if they want to supplement their VA coverage.
How much do veterans pay for health insurance?
Veterans Affairs health care is a significant expense for those who have served our country. According to the Veterans Affairs website, “The average cost of outpatient services in 2012 was $9,372 per veteran.” Outpatient services include things like doctor visits and medical procedures. The VA also provides “a wide range of inpatient care, including long-term care, rehabilitation, and mental health services.” Inpatient care can cost veterans up to $791 per day.
As you can see, health care is not cheap for veterans. However, there are a number of ways that veterans can reduce their expenses. For instance, many veterans choose to use the VA’s health insurance program instead of using private insurance. This program offers a number of benefits, including coverage for prescription drugs and emergency room visits. Additionally, the VA allows veterans to receive treatment at any eligible VA hospital or clinic.
There are also a number of ways that veterans can reduce their out-of-pocket costs. For example, many vets qualify for the Veteran Health Benefit Program (VHBP). This program offers a number of benefits, including discounts on doctor appointments and medication costs. In addition, some states offer additional benefits to veterans such as free or reduced tuition at state universities.
Conclusion
Veterans need to be aware of how much they will pay for health insurance on the civilian market. Depending on your rank and years of service, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year for coverage. This is something that veterans should discuss with their civilian health care providers before making a decision about whether or not to purchase health insurance through the VA.
