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Veterans Health FAQs

If I’m enrolled in a Veterans Health Administration (VA) health care program, do I meet the requirement for health care coverage?

Yes. If you are enrolled in any of VA’s programs below, you have coverage under the standards of the Affordable Care Act (health care law):

  • Veteran’s health care program
  • Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA)
  • Spina bifida health care program
  • Children of Women Vietnam Veterans program
How do I enroll in VA health care coverage?

You may apply by visiting www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or going in-person to your local VA health care facility.

There are three VA Medical Centers that serve the state of Rhode Island:
    VA Medical Center   Skip VA Medical Center
       Providence: Providence VA Medical Center830 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908

401-273-7100

    Community Based Outpatient Clinic   Skip Community Based Outpatient Clinic
       Middletown: Middletown Outpatient ClinicOne Corporate Place
Middletown, RI 02842

Phone: 401-847-6239

    Vet Center   Skip Vet Center
       Warwick: Providence Vet Center2038 Warwick Ave
Warwick, RI 02889

Phone: 401-739-0167 or 401-739-0167

Can I continue to use VA health care with other programs, like coverage through HealthSource RI or federal health care programs?

Yes. You can continue to use VA health care coverage for all your health care needs, or complement your VA care with a private health plan through HealthSource RI, a private health plan you buy on your own from an insurance company, or coverage from other federal health care programs if you qualify, including Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE.

However, your ability to receive VA coverage may prevent you from qualifying for financial help to pay for your health insurance on HealthSource RI.

I am enrolled in a VA health care program. Am I eligible for financial help to buy a health plan through HealthSource RI?

Because VA care meets the standard for health care coverage, you wouldn’t be eligible for financial help through HealthSource RI.

However, you may still purchase private health insurance at full cost through HealthSource RI or  directly through a health insurance company to complement your VA health care coverage.

If you are eligible for VA health care but are not enrolled in a VA health care program, you may still receive financial assistance for a plan through HealthSource RI if you are otherwise eligible.

Are my family members (who aren’t eligible for VA or other federal health care programs) eligible for financial help to purchase health insurance?

Your family members who are not enrolled in a VA health care program can apply through HealthSource RI to get coverage.

They may get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. They also may be eligible for free  coverage through Medicaid or RIte Care.

Where can I get more information on VA health coverage and the Affordable Care Act?

For information on VA health care and the Affordable Care Act, visit VA’s website at www.va.gov/aca, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information on HealthSource RI, call our contact center at 1-855-840-4774, or find free, in-person help.

HealthSource RI connects you with health and dental insurance from these companies:

Individuals & Families: 1-855-840-4774
Employers & Employees: 1-855-683-6757