Resources for Veterans

There are a number of ways you can apply for VA health care:

By phone: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST​
In person: Visit the San Francisco VA Medical Center or local VA clinic: ​
        SFVAHCS locations: www.va.gov/san-francisco-health-care/locations/​
Online: www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction​
 

​Call our toll-free hotline  or ​
Contact SFVAHCS Member Services at

Step 1: Schedule a primary care appointment by calling . Your initial appointment will include an orientation, visit with your primary care provider, and enable you to be referred to specialty care.​
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Step 2: Schedule an appointment with specialty clinics with no referral required including Audiology, Eye Clinic, Podiatry, or Nutrition: ​
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Step 3: Create a My HealtheVet online account by visiting www.myhealth.va.gov then clicking on "Register"​

There is no requirement that VA become your exclusive provider of care.  If you are a Veteran who is receiving care from both VA and a local provider, it is important for your health and safety that your care is coordinated, resulting in one treatment plan (co-managed care).  If you have other forms of health care coverage (like a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE), you can use VA health care benefits along with these plans. Learn more about how VA works with other health insurance.

Even if you have other insurance, you may be eligible for low- or zero-cost care through VA. We also offer coverage for health care services that aren't typically covered by private health insurance such as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic care, mindfulness, Tai Chi and Qi Gung, yoga, movement groups, and a Whole Health consult. To learn more about the benefits available through VA focused on improving health and wellness, visit SFVAHCS' Whole Health Offerings. 

Whether or not you’ll need to pay copays—and how much you’ll pay—depends on which of our 8 priority groups we assign you to when you enroll in VA health care. Learn more about priority groups.

We assign Veterans with service-connected disabilities the highest priority. We assign the lowest priority to Veterans who earn a higher income and who don’t have any service-connected disabilities that make them eligible for VA disability compensation.

We’re committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%, as well as for those who can’t afford to pay for care. To learn more about how we’ll determine if you’ll need to pay for any part of your care or find information about current VA health care copay rates. 

If you are unable to pay your bill, you should discuss the matter with the Patient Billing Office at the VA health care facility where you received your care.

If you’re struggling to pay your copays, you can request help. Options may include a repayment plan, debt relief, or copay exemption. Find out how to request financial hardship assistance.

If you disagree with the charges or amounts on your bill, you can file a dispute. Find out how to dispute your copay charges.

The full list of your covered benefits depends on your priority group, and the advice of your VA primary care provider (your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant), and the medical standards for treating any health conditions you may have. 

We cover preventive care services, like health exams (including gender-specific exams), health education (including nutrition education), immunization against infectious diseases (like flu shots), and counseling on genetic diseases (diseases that run in families). We cover inpatient hospital services, including surgeries, medical treatments, kidney dialysis, acute care (short-term treatment for a severe illness or injury or after surgery), and specialized care (including organ transplants, intensive care for mental and physical conditions, and care for traumatic injuries). 

We cover urgent and emergency care services, such as urgent or emergency care at some VA health facilities and urgent care for injuries and illnesses that need attention right away, but aren’t life threatening, at urgent care locations that are part of our contracted network.

• Mental health services to treat certain issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression, and substance use problems: Learn more about mental health services
• Assisted living and home health care (depending on your needs and income as well as space in the programs): Learn more about assisted living and home health care
• Prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor: Refill your prescriptions
• We cover routine eye exams and preventive tests. In some cases, you may get coverage for eyeglasses or services for blind or low-vision rehabilitation: Learn more about vision care through VA

We may cover services that your VA primary care provider concludes you need to support your treatment (called ancillary services), like:

• Tests used to diagnose health conditions, including blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds
• Therapy and rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, vision rehab, and therapy for traumatic brain injury
• Additional services, including prosthetic items, audiology (care for hearing loss), and radiation oncology (cancer care)

VA coverage also includes caregiver support (help for the person who cares for you).

VA dental care is a limited benefit. However, if you are enrolled in VA health care, there is a VA dental insurance program (VADIP) that you are eligible for. ​

Learn more about VA dental care.

San Francisco VA Student Veteran Health Program provides assistance with VA health care enrollment, connecting and navigating care, referrals, and mental health services on some college campuses. To learn more contact Artur Akkerman, Program Director at Artur.Akkerman@va.gov. ​
 

Yes, San Francisco VA Health Care System offers transitional and supportive housing and HUD-VASH services. Our Downtown San Francisco VA Clinic at 401 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 provides walk-in medical and social work services Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ​
 

Contact Kathleen Mink, Outreach Specialist at or kathleen.mink@va.gov for assistance.

Yes, but not all Veterans qualify. If you meet specific criteria (visit https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/beneficiary_travel.asp), you are eligible for travel benefits. VA also offers help getting to and from appointments. Learn more about Veterans transportation service. 

W encourage Veterans to contact an VA Accredited representative for help with the VA disability claim process: ​

California County Veteran Services Offices are available to assist with VA disability compensation claims as well as other VA benefits. This is a free service. Find your VSO | CACVSO​

Veterans can also go to the closest VA regional office for assistance https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits​

To learn more about filing a disability claim, you can play our disability claims video. How to File a VA Disability Claim (youtube.com)​

Check Your VA Claim, Decision Review, Or Appeal Status | Veterans Affairs​

California County Veteran Services Offices are available to assist with VA disability compensation claims as well as other VA benefits. This is a free service. Find your VSO | CACVSO​

​Veterans can also go to the closest VA regional office for assistance https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits

Yes, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) offers a variety of benefits to Veterans and families. Visit the CalVet website to learn more: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/