Do I Need ObamaCare with My Veterans Coverage (VA)?
Do I have to get obamacare along with my vets benefits?
Answer
Veterans coverage (Veteran’s health care program) counts as Minimum Essential Coverage under ObamaCare so you don't need to get other coverage. You won't owe the fee for not having health insurance as long as you maintain your coverage. Any comprehensive health care program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs counts as Minimum Essential Coverage. Some limited benefit coverage types don't count though.
The following limited benefit coverage types don't count as minimum essential coverage
- Space available TRICARE coverage provided under chapter 55 of title 10 of the United States Code for individuals who are not eligible for TRICARE coverage for health services from private sector providers*
- Line of duty TRICARE coverage provided under chapter 55 of title 10 of the United States Code*
- AmeriCorps coverage for those serving in programs receiving AmeriCorps State and National grants
- AfterCorps coverage purchased by returning members of the PeaceCorps
*In Notice 2014-10, the IRS announced relief from the individual shared responsibility payment for months in 2014 in which individuals are covered under one of these programs. See the instructions for Form 8965, Health Coverage Exemptions, for information on how to claim an exemption for one of these programs on your income tax return.
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I have an ACA plan but just became eligible for medical benefits through the VA. Am I covered for medical benefits outside of a VA facility? I’m asking for a friend. Thanks!
VA coverage isn’t the simplest of coverage types. Generally a person should have one coverage source, not two, but I know some VA coverage is limited benefit. I would suggest contacting VA support for this sort of question or the marketplace.
I had a subsidized ACA policy in 2015 running concurrently with the health insurance I was receiving from the VA (which requires no premium). I doubled up because I was leery about the VA coverage meeting my needs. I now have learned that it’s MEC and I now have to pay back the subsidy ($1900). The rub is that I didn’t use the ACA policy in 2015. Don’t let this happen to you.
I had a subsidized ACA policy in 2015 running concurrently with the health insurance I was receiving from the VA (which requires no premium). I doubled up because I was leery about the VA coverage meeting my needs. I now have learned that it’s MEC and I now have to pay the subsidy $1900. The rub is that I didn’t use the ACA policy in 2015. Do have I have gripe?
If i have va benefits must i continue to pay the aca premiums? 122.00 per month.
Depends, VA benefits is a pretty broad term and doesn’t always mean you have health insurance. GI Bill is a VA benefit, for example. If you have Veteran’s health care program (Tricare), Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA), Spina bifida health care program it does count as minimal essential coverage and meets the requirement of the ACA. Nothing else is needed.
Keeping the public informed, save lives. Thank you!
Veteran-Army
Bridgette L. Davidson