How to Apply for VA Health Care: First Step Before CCN Home Care

If you (or your loved one) are a veteran and you want to use the VA Community Care Network (CCN) to receive home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the first important step is to be enrolled in VA health care.

Without enrollment in VA health care, the VA won’t authorize community care referrals — including home care support you could receive through Caring Companions. This guide explains how to apply, the different ways you can submit your application, and where to go to start today.

Why You Must Apply for VA Health Care First

To access most VA benefits — including CCN home care — you must be enrolled in the VA’s health care system. Enrollment officially recognizes you as a VA patient and opens the door to services like:

• Primary and specialty medical care

• Preventive care

• Prescription benefits

• Referrals to community care programs like CCN

• Coordination with VA-approved home care providers

In short, VA health care enrollment is the gateway to almost all VA medical and community-based support services.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Many veterans qualify, including those who:

• Served on active duty and were not dishonorably discharged

• Meet minimum service requirements (often 24 months, depending on era of service)

• Are enrolled in VA benefits or eligible based on service history, income, or health status

Even veterans who aren’t sure if they qualify should apply — eligibility depends on a combination of service records, discharge status, income, and medical need.

Four Ways to Apply for VA Health Care

Veterans have several convenient options to apply:

1. Apply Online (Fastest)

Head to the official VA application page for health care benefits — you can submit your application securely and complete the process online:
🔗 Apply online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/

This uses VA Form 10-10EZ, the official “Application for Health Benefits” form.

2. Apply by Phone

If you prefer help during the process, call the VA’s toll-free hotline:
📞 1-877-222-8387 (TTY: 711)
A VA representative can assist you through the application, explain questions, and help ensure everything is complete.

3. Apply by Mail

Download and complete VA Form 10-10EZ and mail it to:
Health Eligibility Center
PO Box 5207
Janesville, WI 53547-5207
The form and instructions are available online and can be printed before mailing.

4. Apply in Person

You can bring your completed form to a local VA medical center or outpatient clinic. Staff can help answer questions and accept your application.
🔗 Find your nearest VA location: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

What You May Need to Apply

While you can start a VA health care application without every piece of documentation, having these ready can help speed processing:

• DD-214 or other discharge papers

• Social Security number

• Income information (if available)

• Insurance information (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance)

• Contact information for your current doctor or pharmacy

When applying in person or by phone, VA staff can help you gather everything you need.

After You Apply — What Happens Next

Once your application is received and processed:

• The VA will let you know if you are accepted into VA health care

• You’ll be assigned a priority group that determines how quickly you receive services and what copays may apply

• You may be mailed or contacted about your benefits

• You may be issued a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) after enrollment, which you use for appointments and VA services

Enrollment times vary, but many veterans are notified within a few weeks.

Important Tips for Veterans

✅ There is no fee to apply — never pay someone to submit your application.
✅ Applying sooner is better — even if you’re healthy now, being enrolled opens doors to future benefits.
✅ Ask for help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited representative if you feel overwhelmed — they can assist at no cost.

A Gentle Reminder

Applying for VA health care is the first step toward accessing home care through CCN and many other valuable benefits. Whether you’re transitioning from active duty, planning for future care, or finally ready to use your earned benefits, enrolling in VA health care is the foundation.

If you need help understanding what comes next after enrollment — including how to use your VA benefits for home care — Caring Companions is here to help.

📞 Call us (417) 234-8494 to talk through your situation, steps to apply, or what benefits you might qualify for — no obligation, just guidance.

Useful VA Links

• Apply for VA health care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/

• VA Form 10-10EZ information: https://www.va.gov/forms/10-10ez/

• Find VA locations near you: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/