Many World War II veterans can now get free health care through the VA

World War II veteran Ed Malan, second from right, was a 21-year-old machinist mate on the the U.S.S. Preble, a mine-laying ship being repaired at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941. SUBMITTED

Credit: Chris Stewart

Credit: Chris Stewart

World War II veteran Ed Malan, second from right, was a 21-year-old machinist mate on the the U.S.S. Preble, a mine-laying ship being repaired at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941. SUBMITTED
Local News
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Nov 14, 2023
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Many World War II veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care, medical services and nursing home care, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently said.

Many WWII veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are eligible under this expansion, regardless of their length of service or financial status, the department said. “These veterans will not have to pay copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums,” the department said.

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The VA is reaching out by phone and mail to encourage WWII veterans not currently enrolled in VA care to apply. Veterans who enroll may also keep their private providers, Medicare, and most other insurance to meet their health care needs.

A VA spokesman said nursing home care is free, with no copays, for “nearly all World War II veterans who are eligible for nursing home services at VA, including anyone in need of such care for a service-connected disability, and anyone in need of such care who also has a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more.”

All World War II veterans are eligible for VA health care and will not have to pay inpatient or outpatient copays.

However, these veterans may still have to pay modest copayments for medication or urgent care or long-term care in some cases, depending on their eligibility and service connection, the spokesman said.

“These members of the Greatest Generation answered the call to serve when our nation — and the world — needed them most. Now, it’s our job to serve them in every way that we can,” VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal said in a statement.

To apply for VA health care, visit VA’s health care enrollment website, call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

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Thomas Gnau is a business reporter who joined the Dayton Daily News in 2007. He has reported for daily newspapers in Ohio since 1991.