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How a Veteran Applies for VA Benefits For The First Time

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Step 1: Apply for VA Health Care

Choose one of these ways:

Option A: Apply Online (Fastest)

Option B: Apply by Phone

  • Call VA Health Benefits: 1-877-222-8387

  • Ask to apply for VA health care (Form 10-10EZ)

Option C: Apply In Person

  • Visit your local VA Medical Center (Eligibility/Enrollment office)

  • Ask to enroll in VA health care

Option D: Apply by Mail

  • Fill out VA Form 10-10EZ

  • Mail it to the address listed on the form (VA will provide it)

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Step 2: Have These Documents Ready

Bring or upload what you have (not always required, but helpful):

  • DD-214 (or other discharge papers, if available)

  • Social Security Number

  • Photo ID

  • Income info (last year) if requested

  • Current insurance info (Medicare, employer, etc.), if you have it

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Step 3: Wait for Your VA Enrollment Decision

  • VA will review your application and send a decision letter

  • If approved, you’ll get instructions for next steps

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Step 4: Set Up Your First VA Appointment

To get VA prescriptions, you typically need a VA provider to establish your care.

  • Call your VA clinic/medical center and schedule a Primary Care appointment

  • Tell them you are newly enrolled and need to establish care

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Step 5: How VA Prescription Coverage Works

Once you’re enrolled and established with a VA provider:

  • Your VA provider reviews your conditions and medications

  • If medically appropriate, they prescribe medications through the VA system

  • You fill prescriptions through:

    • VA Pharmacy at the facility, or

    • VA Mail Order (many veterans use this for maintenance meds)

Important: VA pharmacy benefits are tied to VA-prescribed medications. Prescriptions written by non-VA doctors may require VA review before the VA fills them.

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Step 6: Set Up Refills (So It’s Easy)

Best option: Create a My HealtheVet account

  • Go to: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/

  • Sign in and upgrade your account when prompted

  • Use it to:

    • Request refills

    • Track shipments

    • Message your VA care team (secure messaging)

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Step 7: If You Need Meds Before Your VA Visit

If you’re out of meds soon:

  • Call your VA clinic and ask for nurse triage or pharmacy

  • Tell them you’re newly enrolled and need guidance for urgent refills

  • If it’s an emergency, get care immediately (ER/urgent care) and notify VA as instructed

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Quick Summary

  • Apply for VA health care (10-10EZ)

  • Get approved

  • Schedule your first VA primary care visit

  • VA provider prescribes meds

  • Fill through VA pharmacy or VA mail order

  • Use My HealtheVet for refills

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Important Information & Disclosure

Anthony’s Healthcare provides educational information only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency.

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VA health care enrollment, eligibility, prescription coverage, formularies, copays, and approval decisions are determined solely by the VA and may vary by individual circumstances and VA policy. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, coverage, or prescription approval.

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