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EVENTS
NEWS & INPUT
VETERAN GUIDE
VA Health Care Enrollment
If you served on active duty and weren't dishonorably discharged, you may be able to get VA health care. Apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person — VA usually decides in less than a week.
Overview
You may be eligible if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, you generally need 24 continuous months of service or the full period you were called to active duty.
That minimum doesn't apply if you were discharged for a disability caused or made worse by your service, discharged for a hardship or "early out," or served before Sept. 7, 1980. Depending on your income, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost care.
PACT ACT — YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE NOW
Since March 5, 2024, veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or another post-9/11 combat zone, deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving can enroll in VA health care without applying for disability benefits first.
Every veteran enrolled in VA health care can also get a free toxic exposure screening at least once every 5 years.
How to get started
Check your eligibility
Review the service and discharge rules above. When in doubt, apply — VA makes the decision.
Gather your documents
Have the items under "What to gather" ready before you start. It makes the form much faster.
Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ
Online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET), by mail to the Health Eligibility Center, PO Box 5207, Janesville, WI 53547-5207, or in person at a VA medical center or clinic.
Get your decision
VA usually decides in less than 1 week. If you haven't heard back after a week, call the number above — don't apply again.
What to gather
Where you'll get care
Williamson County is served by VA Central Texas Health Care. For primary care appointments, call 254-778-4811.
Cedar Park VA Clinic
1401 Medical Parkway, Suite 400, Building C, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Austin VA Clinic
7901 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744
Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center
1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX 76504
Main line 800-423-2111
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Care for a service-connected disability is free. Veterans with a service-connected rating of 10% or higher pay no copays for outpatient or inpatient care. Others may have copays based on income.
URGENT CARE NEAR YOU
Enrolled veterans who've had VA care in the past 24 months can use in-network urgent care with no referral. A copay of up to $30 may apply.