Healthcare is always changing, and it can be hard to keep track of current policies. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare went through some adjustments at the start of 2023. It’s important for veterans to be aware of any VA healthcare shifts that may affect them since more than 1 million veterans, over 60%, use the VA for their healthcare.
New changes in VA healthcare
The VA healthcare changes cover a few different areas, ranging from cost changes to new benefits. Here are a few of the key changes to take note of:
- New life insurance program — One of the biggest VA healthcare changes is a new life insurance program, the first new VA life insurance made available to veterans in more than 50 years. It’s called Veterans Affairs Life Insurance, or VALife, and provides up to $40,000 of whole life insurance for all veterans.
- Copay rate changes — A few of the copay rates have gone up for certain groups. The copay for Group 7 increased from $311.20 to $320 with a daily $2 charge for the first 90 days of inpatient care in one year. Each additional 90-day care period has a copay of $160 with a daily $2 charge, which is up from $155.60. Priority Group 8 copays increased from $1,556 to $1,600 for the first 90 days, and $800 for additional 90-day care, which is up from $778, each with a $10 daily charge. Learn about Priority Groups here: VA Priority Groups | Veterans Affairs.
- Free suicidal crisis support — Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can go to any healthcare facility, VA or non-VA, to receive the care and support they need. They can receive inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, as well as outpatient care for up to 90 days, at no cost to them.
Valor Healthcare can help you navigate VA healthcare changes
Valor Healthcare is a veteran-founded healthcare organization. We aim to provide whole healthcare services to veterans and other patriots. We are the largest contracted provider of outpatient healthcare services for veterans and take pride in delivering world-class services. We were one of the first community-based outpatient clinics to be accredited for ambulatory care by the Joint Commission and continue to focus on quality across all our lines of business.
Valor Healthcare is a team made up of veterans and leading clinicians. We are passionate about making resources available to those who have served our country. Valor was first established in 2004, when an Army veteran and a Navy veteran joined together to create something they both believed in — good-quality outpatient care for veterans.
Interested in the types of services a veteran-focused health consultant company can provide? We specialize in each of the following:
- Outpatient clinic operations.
- Occupational health.
- Behavioral health.
- Population health.
- Value-added services.
Would you benefit from any of the services listed above? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. Valor Healthcare partners with public and private medical clinics to bring high-quality healthcare to American veterans. Partner with us to give your patients access to data-driven, 21st-century care.
