In October 1996, Congress passed Public Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 . This legislation paved the way for the creation of a Uniform Benefits Package - a standard enhanced health benefits plan generally available to all enrolled veterans. The Law also simplified the process by which veterans can receive services.
Public Law 104-262 was enacted to simplify the rules for providing health care to veterans and to introduce improvements in the quality and timeliness of the care you receive. Like other standard health care plans, the Uniform Benefits Package emphasizes preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.
VA has also placed a priority on improved veteran satisfaction. Our goal is to ensure the quality of care and service you receive is consistently excellent, in every location, in every program.
Under the new Uniform Benefits Package, VA offers you, the veteran, a comprehensive health care plan that provides the care you need, when you need it.
What does it cover?
The Uniform Benefits Package will generally be provided to all enrolled veterans regardless of your priority group.
Public Law 104-262 calls for VA to provide you hospital care and outpatient care services that are defined as "needed". VA defines "needed" as care or service that will promote, preserve and restore health. This includes treatment, procedures, supplies or services. This decision of need will be based on the judgement of your health care provider and in accordance with generally accepted standards of clinical practice.
The following pages contain a list of health care services that are provided under the Uniform Benefits Package, a list of some that are not covered by VA and a list of other services that are provided under special authority.
