Vets Corner: Veterans' care and how it affects Obamacare

Monday, March 17, 2014 - 4:58pm

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” made health insurance plans in the United States more inclusive, affordable and accessible. The act also requires that all citizens and permanent residents sign up for health insurance that meets a certain standard.

As a veteran, if you are signed up for any of the VA health care programs, then you already have insurance that meets the federal standard, and you do not need to do anything under the new law.

If you are a veteran not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply for immediate coverage at any time. Generally, there are no enrollment fees, monthly premiums or deductibles. However, some members may have to pay small copayments for services or prescription drugs. Information about VA health care eligibility can be found at: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp.

Veterans interested in options outside of VA health care for themselves or their families have until March 31 to apply for a health insurance plan through Covered California and see if they qualify for financial assistance.

Those who are not enrolled in health insurance by March 31 may have to pay a full or partial tax penalty. Also, March 31 is the last date to qualify for financial assistance until the next open-enrollment period begins in the fall.

Covered California offers commercial health plans (for example, Blue Shield) at affordable prices. Covered California has a Shop and Compare Tool that allows individuals and families to see health plan options specific to their location and income level. This tool shows prices, financial assistance and plan information. The Shop and Compare tool can be found at: www.CoveredCA.com/shopandcompare/#calculator).

The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents

To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com.
Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.