What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs and improve health care quality and care coordination. The health care law does not change VA health care benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

What you should know:

VA wants all Veterans to receive health care that improves their health and well-being.

If you are enrolled in VA health care, you don’t need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards. The health care law does not change VA health care benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time.

U.S. taxpayers are required to declare that they have health coverage on their federal tax forms. You can enroll, re-enroll, or change 2018 Marketplace health insurance starting on November 1, 2018 through December 15, 2018. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2019.

After December 15, you cannot enroll outside of the open enrollment period unless you have a qualifying event. Visit https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/ to see if you are eligible to enroll during the Special Enrollment period.

The good news is that Veterans enrolled in VA health care programs have health coverage that meets the health care law’s standard and do not have to take any additional steps for health coverage under the law. Read more if enrolled…

Veterans not currently enrolled in VA health care program can apply for enrollment at any time. Read more about enrolling…

VA offers health care benefits for certain family members of Veterans through programs such as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) and the Spina Bifida program. Read more about VA family programs…

Veteran family members who are not enrolled in a health care program and who do not meet the health care law coverage standards should use the Marketplace to get coverage.

We understand you may have questions about the health care law and how it might affect you and your family. We compiled basic information about the health care law to help you make informed decisions about your health care. You can contact VA if you have questions regarding the health care law or your VA health care benefits at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern. After all, ensuring you receive quality health care is not just our obligation, it's also our privilege.