VA Emergency reporting line
1-844-72HRVHA (1-844-724-7842)
At some point in your life, you may need emergency care. This article may help you understand some of the things the VA may be able to do for you.
When you require emergency assistance, and it is not possible to get to a VA Medical Center, you should go to your nearest hospital. The VA basically considers a medical emergency as an injury or illness that is so severe, that without immediate treatment may threaten your life, health of loss of limb. If you believe your life is in danger, then your situation may well be an emergency, in which case you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need to call the VA first.
The VA must be informed within 72 hours. You, a friend or a family member needs to call the VA Emergency reporting line no later than 72 hours of the emergency. Provide the VA with information regarding your emergency and the services you are receiving.
Some emergency services may or may not be covered. This is especially true if the doctor wants to admit you to the hospital. If it is an emergency, you do not need advance approval from the VA, but still must inform them promptly. If the admission is not an emergency, then you do need advance approval. Once you stabilize and can be safely transported, you must move to a VA medical center if a bed is available if you want the VA to continue paying for your care.
If you are admitted to the hospital, the VA may pay some or all of your charges depending on your eligibility. The guidelines are too numerous to list here, but for service connected conditions the bare-bones rules are: care must be provided as a medical emergency, the VA or other government medical facilities were not feasibly available, and the VA was notified within 72 hours of admission. For non-service connected conditions, the veteran must be enrolled in the VA Health Care system, received services from the VA within the previous 24 months, and have no other health insurance coverage.
Remember, the above article is only meant to provide introductory information. As always, contact your County Veterans Service Office for more complete guidelines at your CVSO.
VA Emergency reporting line
1-844-72HRVHA (1-844-724-7842)
