VA Announces Free Healthcare For All World War Two Veterans
In November 2023, Military.com noted there are less than 120 thousand World War Two-era veterans alive today.
In the same month, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that those 120 million vets may now qualify for free healthcare from the VA thanks to the 2022 Cleland-Dole Act, which requires the federal government to provide no-cost care to veterans who served during the World War Two era between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946.
Who Qualifies for Free VA Healthcare
Free VA healthcare for WW2 veterans includes medical services and nursing home care no matter how long the vet served, and whether or not there is a financial hardship. This is not a need-based program, and no household income restrictions or limits apply.
According to the VA, “All 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. These Veterans will not have to pay copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums.”
To qualify for these benefits, you must either be enrolled in VA healthcare or start the enrollment process to file a claim.
Related: Veteran and Retiree Benefits Guide
VA Outreach To Let Vets Know
Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs are reaching out to qualifying veterans and their families to let them know about these VA benefits. You can
VA is reaching out by phone and mail “to encourage WWII Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA care to apply today” with the understanding that when you sign up you are permitted to keep private healthcare providers, Medicare, as well as “most other insurance” to meet veteran health care needs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a press release on its official site noting that members of the Greatest Generation deserve this VA benefit.
“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,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, who was quoted in the press release.
Elnahal adds, “We are proud to provide world-class, no-cost health care to these heroes at VA, and we encourage all of them to enroll today.”
What To Know
World War Two era veterans who applied for VA healthcare in the past but were not approved for it should apply for those benefits once more. There are no income restrictions on this program, and those previously denied because their income exceeds VA limits will not be turned down for that reason under the new guidelines.
Apply for VA health care at the VA health care enrollment website, or call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) for assistance.
Related: Veteran and Retiree Benefits Guide
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
