The Veterans of Foreign Wars believes that all veterans should be provided with the full scope of health care and services they've earned. As you continue your journey beyond the uniform, the VFW wants to remind you of the valuable resources available to you and your family. Please take advantage of VA health care, even beyond the borders of the United States, and stay up-to-date on new benefits expansions and how they relate to your service and care. Below, you'll find resources designed to help you on your journey that will allow you to embrace the support around you.
The VFW continues to offer direct intervention on behalf of veterans who are experiencing problems accessing care. To report problems or concerns regarding VA health care or benefits, contact us by email or call 1.800.VFW.1899 (1.800.839.1899).
Foreign Medical Program
Are you a veteran living abroad? The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) offers eligible services, such as veterans' medical care, health care services, medications, and more. Learn more about the FMP program here.
*The VFW understands concerns with the FMP program and has taken action! The VFW National Commander has submitted resolution 610—Foreign Medical Claim Program—to the VA and Congress, addressing the utilization of a paper-based claim system, inadequate staffing, and electronic funds transfers. We are working to address the inequities of this program.
VAVS Volunteer Programs
Deciding to volunteer your time to our nation's heroes is a fantastic way to give back and thank those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Everyone can help make a difference for veterans, and our VA Voluntary Service program makes volunteering easy!
Learn more about volunteer opportunities, youth opportunities, and apprenticeships at vfw.org/VolunteerService.
Electronic Health Records
The VA EHR modernization project has been halted to address lessons learned from prior system deployments. This halt of modernization will allow for the prioritization of improvements at the five sites that currently have the system deployed. The VA will continue to support and maintain its legacy EHR system, ensuring that current patient records are accessible with no interruption in care. The VFW closely monitors the situation and will keep you updated as things develop.
VA Health Care Enrollment
Enrolling in VA health care can provide excellent health care and open the door to other benefits. Learn more about VA health care benefits or eligibility, or apply to access your benefits today.
VA Caregiver Program
The VA Caregiver Program consists of the Program for General Caregiver Support Services and the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. These programs allow veterans to receive care in the home.
VA Office of Community Care
The VA provides care to veterans through community providers when the VA cannot provide the care needed. Community care is based on specific eligibility requirements, the availability of VA care, and the needs and circumstances of individual veterans.
Locate a Community Care coordinator near you or find more about the program here.
CHAMPVA Benefits
Did you know that if you're the spouse, surviving spouse, or child of a veteran with disabilities or a veteran who has died, if you don't qualify for TRICARE, you may be able to get health insurance coverage through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)? For more information on CHAMPVA eligibility, answers to frequently asked questions, and how to apply, click here.
The Center for Minority Veterans
Established in 1994, the VA's Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) was created to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender. Their mission acknowledges the diversity of our veterans and profoundly values the strength and unique character this diversity has contributed to our great nation. It advocates for minority veterans by conducting outreach activities to promote awareness of and use of VA benefits and services. Learn more.
Watch out for the next VFW Health Survey coming in early 2024. Help the VFW Health Policy team make VA health care more accessible and encompassing.
View past health surveys and reports evaluating the state of the VA the VFW has conducted here.
