The 2000 Census estimated that veterans comprise 12.7 percent of the U.S. population. Many veterans and their families have health care needs that HRSA grantees may be able to address.

HRSA encourages all safety net providers to welcome veterans and their families into care.

Seamless Referral of Veterans to VA Facilities

Veterans may have needs best met at a Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical center. You should identify these veterans early and refer them appropriately, using the following to ensure eligibility for VA health care:

• Use the VA Facilities Locator and Directory to find the nearest facility. Phone the Enrollment Coordinator (between 8am and 4pm) for information on the application process and available health care benefits and to expedite the enrollment application. Veterans who wish to may visit the facility and apply in person.
• Help the veteran submit VA Form 10-10EZ On-line to request enrollment in the VA Health Care System (apply for medical benefits). Typically, veterans who have NOT previously enrolled or applied for VA health care benefits should use this form.

Contracting with the VA Medical Centers to Provide Services

To improve access to care, some Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers offer services at Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

Many Community Based Outpatient Clinics are staffed by VA providers, however, some offer services to veterans through a contractual relationship in which the staff and facilities of local non-profit organizations are available to provide services to a defined group of veterans..

HRSA encourages grantees to consider contracting with VA medical centers to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care to veterans.

• Find CBOC contracting opportunities. Search for "CBOC" for all open Community Based Outpatient Clinic contracting opportunities, including VA service specifications

Resources
Veterans Health Administration

Mental Health (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Health Care Providers: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Joining Forces: Caring for our Returning Military

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs and Veterans: Policy Notice 07-07

Homeless Veterans and Health Care: A Resource Guide (PDF, 608KB) a paper from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, describes the health care challenges of homeless veterans and offers recommendations on addressing them