VA Maternity Care: Who Is Eligible?
Many female veterans are unaware that VA health care includes maternity care. In this blog post, we will discuss the different benefits that are available to expecting veterans. In addition, we will examine post natal care. We will also provide information on how to apply for these benefits. In short, if you are expecting a baby and want to learn more about your VA benefits, keep reading!
VA Maternity Care Exists?
The VA does not provide the care, but instead works to plan and pay for the costs. Maternity care at the VA includes a wide range of services to support pregnant women and new mothers. These services are designed to promote health and wellness during pregnancy and after delivery.
In addition to traditional maternity care, the VA also offers a variety of other services. These include nutrition counseling, lactation support, and perinatal mental health services. The VA also provides care coordination services to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers receive the care they need from the right providers at the right time.
Care coordination at the VA begins with each woman’s primary care provider. The Maternity Care Coordinator (MCC) will serve as the coordinator for the duration of the pregnancy. Once a woman gives birth, her primary care provider will continue to coordinate her care as she transitions back to home and work life.
What Will VA Maternity Care Pay For?
The VA maternity care covers: any exams and lab test, prenatal screenings, needed ultrasounds, testing, labor, delivery, and care for the first 7 days of a newborn care. In addition, the VA will cover costs associated with a miscarriage or stillbirth.
In addition, the VA maternity care will also cover lactation needs (nursing bras, nipple cream, breast pumps, etc).
Will The VA Cover IVF?
Typically, the VA does not cover IVF (In vitro fertilization). However, that changes if the veteran is infertile because of a service-connected condition. In that case, the VA maternity care will cover IVF. However, both the veteran and spouse must meet certain criteria.
Am I Eligible For VA Maternity Care or VA Health Care?
VA health care is a confusing topic. The VA does not provide health care to every veteran. However, a veteran can be eligible for health care without being a disabled veteran. Confused yet? We will examine the most common ways to qualify for VA health care.
10%-40% Disabled Veteran (Eligible With Copays)
Veterans that are 10%-40% disabled are eligible for VA health care which includes VA maternity care. They can be treated for both service-connected and non service-connected items. However, they pay a small copay for treatment of non service-connected items.
50%-100% Disabled Veteran (FREE Healthcare)
Veterans that are 50%-100% disabled are eligible for no cost VA health care. Remember, VA maternity care is part of VA health care. They can be treated for both service-connected and non service-connected items at no cost.
Combat Veterans With-in 10 Years Of Discharge
Are you a combat veteran? You are eligible for 10 years of VA health care after you separate service. However, you will likely be responsible for a small copay when you use the VA. As always, VA maternity care is part of VA health care.
Income Based Care
Veterans with a low household income are eligible for VA health care. This care is need based, and it is not based on a disability or combat status. However, veterans confuse this with the other ways to qualify.
A disability rating or combat veteran status trumps your income.
As a result, you can be eligible for VA health care regardless of income. However, you must qualify a different way.
VA maternity care and VA health care is a very confusing topic. We encourage you to check out our BOOT CAMP for more detailed information.