Benefits & Services
What is the Medical Benefits Package?
In October
1996, Congress passed Public Law 104-262, the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996. This
legislation paved the way for the creating of a Medical Benefits Package – a standard enhanced health benefits plan
generally available to all enrolled Veterans. Like other standard health care plans, the Medical Benefits Package emphasizes
preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.
VA places
a priority on improved Veteran satisfaction. Our goal is to ensure the quality of care and service you receive is consistently
excellent, in every location, in every program.
What does it cover?
The Medical Benefits
Package will generally be provided to all enrolled Veterans regardless of your priority group.
Public Law 104-262 calls for VA to provide
you hospital care and outpatient care services that are defined as “needed.” VA defines “needed”
as care or service that will promote, preserve, and restore health. This includes treatment, procedures, supplies, or
services. This decision of need will be based on the judgment of your health care provider and in accordance with generally
accepted standards of clinical practice.
The following three
categories contain a list of health care services that are provided under the Medical Benefits Package, a list of some that
are not covered by VA, and a list of other services that are provided under special authority.
Category 1: Services Covered Under the Medical Benefits Package
Basic care
Outpatient medical, surgical, and
mental health care including care for substance abuse.
Inpatient hospital, medical,
surgical, and mental health care including care for substance abuse.
Prescription drugs including
over-the-counter drugs and medical and surgical supplies available under the VA national formulary system.