HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
in 2020 to 13.6 million in 2048. Figure 7.4 notes this predicted decline. This anticipated decline will likely result from aging veterans expected to die during the next twenty years: those from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Figure 7.4: Total veteran population is predicted to decline
Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Attribution: US Department of Veterans Affairs
License: Public Domain
Men and women who have served in the military may be able to receive some or all of their healthcare benefits through the VA. Healthcare services through the VA are funded by the federal government. Each year, the VA requests funds to support the many programs for military veterans and their families. According to the VA (2020b), the VA has a proposed $243.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2021 which addresses veterans needs in areas of healthcare, benefits, national cemeteries, as well as compensation and pensions, housing and insurance. The house and senate must first vote on and approve this recommendation before funds are allocated.
As with all of the agencies discussed in this chapter, eligibility for VA healthcare must be determined by preset requirements. Limits in funding makes it impossible to serve all military veterans. Therefore, the VA has eight priority groups to make sure the most vulnerable and in-need groups of veterans are enrolled first. Priority group 1 (highest priority group) includes veterans with a service-connected disability rated 50% or higher, veterans determined by the VA to be unemployable as a result of a service-related condition, and those who have received the Medal of Honor. Two examples of service-related conditions causing disability are loss of limb or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Generally, eligible recipients with a 50% disability do not pay annual premiums, co-pays, or fees for services. Veterans with access to VA healthcare because of low-income may be required to assume a copay (NDNRC, 2019), that is, a set amount the veteran must pay at the time of service. Copay amounts may vary depending on the level of service (urgent care versus inpatient hospitalization) and frequency of service (once versus multiple times in one year). Copays, if required, are as low as $5 for prescription services and as high as $1,408 + $10/day for 90 days of inpatient care (VA, 2020c).
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