VA Health Care
Basic Eligibility
A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.
Minimum Duty Requirements
Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Enrollment
Veterans can complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by using one of the options below:
- To apply by phone, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. VA staff members will collect the needed information and process the enrollment application for an enrollment determination.
- When applying online at Vets.gov, Veterans fill out the application and electronically submit it to VA for processing. VA will search for your supporting documentation through its electronic information systems and will contact you if it is unable to verify your military service.
- The application form can also be downloaded from https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/. Mail the completed form to: Health Eligibility Center ATTN: Enrollment Eligibility Division 2957 Clairmont Road Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
- Apply in person at any VA health care facility or VA regional office. Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health care facilities anywhere in the country.
The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll, but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more.
- Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
- Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only.
- Veterans seeking registry – examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards and Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry).
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more; Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions; and Veterans who have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 40 percent.
Veterans who are former Prisoners of War; Veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal; Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 or 20 percent; and, Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”
Veterans who receive increased compensation or pension based on their need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound; and, Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled.
Priority Groups
During enrollment, each Veteran is assigned to a priority group. VA uses priority groups to balance demand for VA health care enrollment with resources. Changes in available resources may reduce the number of priority groups VA can enroll. If this occurs, VA will publicize the changes and notify affected enrollees. A description of priority groups follows:
Nonservice-connected Veterans and non-compensable service-connected Veterans rated by VA as 0-percent disabled and who have an annual income below the VA’s geographically-adjusted income limit (based on your resident ZIP code); Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits; and Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans; Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD participants; Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975; Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, through Nov. 11, 1998; Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998, as follows: Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, for five years post discharge; and Veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between Aug.1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987. Currently enrolled Veterans and new enrollees who served in a theater of combat operations after Nov.11, 1998 and those who were discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible for the enhanced benefits for five years post discharge
Note: At the end of this enhanced enrolment priority group placement time period, Veterans will be assigned to the highest priority group their eligibility for which their status at that time qualifies.
Veterans with gross household income below the geographically-adjusted VA income limit for their resident location and, who agree to pay copayments.
Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national income limit and the geographically-adjusted income limit for their resident location and, who agree to pay copayments. Veterans eligible for enrollment: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected and are:
Subpriority a: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date and/or placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status.
Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009, whose income exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less Veterans eligible for enrollment: nonservice-connected and:
Subpriority c: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status
Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less
Veterans NOT eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria above:
Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected (eligible for care of their service-connected condition only).
Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected
VA’s income limit changes annually and current levels can be located at: http://nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/
Community Care
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Community care is available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.
For more information, visit www.va.gov/COMMMUNITYCARE/index.asp
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements, including low-income children, adults, pregnant women and families.
Who qualifies?
Generally, services are available to low-income children, adults, and families.
What are the requirements?
To receive full-scope Medi-Cal benefits, applicants may be asked to provide an original or certified copy of:
- Birth certificate
- Other proof of citizenship/immigration paperwork
If unable to provide the above, restricted Medi-Cal may be granted to cover pregnancy and emergency services.
Proof of California residency may be required, such as:
- Valid California driver license
- Utility bill or rent receipt
- Mortgage statement
- California employer paystub
What’s covered?
Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health benefits including:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health care
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
- Preventive services
- Chronic disease management
- Dental care
- Pediatric care
- Laboratory services
- Substance use treatment
How to Apply for Transitional Assistance
To apply for CalWORKs, CalFresh or Medi-Cal, call the Customer Service Center at 877-410-8829 and ask to have an application packet mailed to you.
You can also apply online at www.c4yourself.com
10875 Rancho Rd.
Adelanto, CA 92301
13886 Central Rd.
Apple Valley, CA 92307
1900 E. Main St.
Barstow, CA 92311
1900 W. Valley Blvd.
Colton, CA 92324
7977 Sierra Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
9655 9th Ave.
Hesperia, CA 92345
1090 E. Broadway St.
Needles, CA 92363
1647 E. Hold Blvd.
Ontario, CA 91761
Medi-Cal only
1627 E. Holt Blvd.
Ontario, CA 91761
10825 Arrow Rte.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
1811 W. Lugonia Ave.
Redlands, CA 92374
1175 W. Foothill Blvd.
Rialto, CA 92376
1895 Del Rosa Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92415
265 E. Fourth St.
San Bernardino, CA 92415
2050 N. Massachusetts Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92415
73629 Sun Valley Dr.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92377
15010 Palmdale Rd.
Victorville, CA 92392
32353 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
56357 Pima Trail
Yucca Valley, CA 9228
Public Health
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department works to improve the health, wellness, safety and quality of life for County residents through an array of services.
Clinic Operations provide a wide range of low-cost, confidential health services designed to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and wellbeing through the delivery of excellent health care in a friendly atmosphere.
Services include:
- Primary Care
- Pediatrics
- Immunizations
- Dental Care
- Sexual Health
- Teen Health
- Patient Information
- Health Library
For more information, visit San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Clinic Operations
Family Health Services assesses community health concerns and encourages healthy lifestyles through various programs including:
- Comprehensive Perinatal Services
- Child Health & Disability Prevention
- Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Black Infant Health
- Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health
For more information, visit San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Family Health Services
Women, Infants & Children program helps families, pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children get healthy foods, nutrition education and community resources at no cost.
For more information, visit San Bernardino County Department of Public Health WIC
Veteran Crisis Line
Are you a Veteran in crisis or are you concerned about one?
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Help is available every day, 24/7
When to contact the Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and Service members in crisis don’t have to face it alone. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming self-destructive, there are responders ready to help. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line immediately for assistance.
Supporting a loved one through a crisis can feel overwhelming, but responders at the Veterans Crisis Line can help. Contact Veterans Crisis Line immediately if the Veteran or Service member in your life is showing signs of crisis, such as;
- Talking about feeling hopeless
- Experiencing anxiety or agitation
- Increasing risky behaviors or substance use
Veterans Crisis Line What to Expect
A trained responder will answer your call, text, or chat and ask you a few questions. You can decide how much you want to share.
What happens when I call the Veterans Crisis Line
When you call, chat, or text the Veterans Crisis Line, one of our trained responders will help you through any personal crisis, even if it does not involve thoughts of suicide. You decide how much you want to share — They are there to listen and to help.
What happens when I text the Veterans Crisis Line
Send a text to 838255. You can say as much or as little as you like to get the conversation started. You will receive a text back that reads:
“VA Crisis Center: I’m here to help. If in danger, call 911. For more info, call 800-273-8255. (Press 1). Please keep msgs under 160 characters. STOP to cancel.”
You may text STOP at any time to end the conversation. If you do, you will receive this free message in response:
“Free Msg: VA Crisis Center: You have successfully unsubscribed and will receive no more messages. More info email VHA.SuicideHotlineStaff@va.gov. Conversation ended, this text dialogue has been deleted. For more help, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.”
Go to VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Read the chat terms of service. Please note:
- The Veterans Crisis Line does not collect personally identifiable information unless you provide that information to the responder.
- Security controls, including encryption and authentication, are in place to protect your information.
- Any contractors acting on behalf of VA in administering the Veterans chat service are subject to the same legal requirements VA follows for maintaining the privacy and security of your information.
Check the box next to “I agree to the Terms of Service” and click the button to start your confidential chat.
A new screen will appear, asking for your first name or a nickname so the responder knows how to address you. Click “Send” to start the chat. A chat box will appear with either a responder ready to chat or a window letting you know that someone will be right with you. A responder will reply to your message immediately and provide the support described above.
Support doesn’t end with your conversation. Our responders can put you in touch with local resources after your call, chat, or text.
HOW TO CONNECT WITH A RESPONDER
Phone
and Press 1
Chat
Text
838255
Support for deaf and hard hearing
Urgent Mental Health Care
The CWICs provide urgent psychiatric services to children and adults who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and are able to visit a clinic. Services may include assessment, diagnosis, and medication as needed.
850 E. Foothill Blvd., Rialto
(909) 421-9495
Open Mon. through Fri.
from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Sat. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12240 Hesperia Rd., Victorville
(760) 245-8837
Open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week
7293 Dumosa Ave., Ste. 2,
Yucca Valley
(855) 365-6558
Open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week
The CSUs provide urgent psychiatric health services to individuals age 13 and older. Services include intervention, stabilization services, treatment and medication as needed.
Merrill Center
14677 Merrill Ave., Fontana
(951) 643-2340
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Windsor Center
1481 Windsor Dr., San Bernardino
(909) 361-6470
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week