How the aarp ‘veterans health benefits navigator’ would have helped me

WHAT IS THE AARP 'VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES HEALTH BENEFITS NAVIGATOR'? AARP’s “_Navigator”_ is a free one-stop resource that brings together valuable information and

resources to help veterans, military families and their caregivers pursue their health care options.​ HOW DOES THE AARP ‘_NAVIGATOR’_ HELP VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS? It can be

overwhelming to understand the choices, eligibility qualifications and application process for VA health benefits. The “_Navigator”_ provides critical information about health care benefits

from the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD). With it you can:​ * Learn more about health care benefits provided through the VA and the DOD.​ * Understand how to qualify, apply and enroll

in VA health care.​ * Understand how these health care benefits may be combined with Medicare and Medicaid to expand options.​ * Identify how to get help from representatives who have

experience and knowledge of the VA’s process for awarding benefits.​ WHAT’S NEW WITH THE LATEST VERSION OF THE ‘_NAVIGATOR’_?​ The AARP “_Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits

Navigator”_ has been expanded to help veterans and their families access VA specialty care programs and services in the following areas:​ * The Women Veterans Health Care Program​ * The

specialty emotional and mental health services​ * The specialty dental, oral, hearing and vision services​ * The Family Caregiver Assistance Program (which can provide crucial support for

family caregivers)​​ WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW IF MY VETERAN IS ELIGIBLE? I often speak with caregivers who are frustrated because they’ve been given conflicting information about a veteran’s

eligibility from various sources. Check out the information in the “_Navigator”_ about how to qualify for the various benefits. If you’re still unsure, contact one of the resources listed in

the “_Navigator_,” such as the Veterans Health Benefits Assistance toll-free hotline (877-222-8387) or a veteran service organization (VSO). Never assume someone is or isn’t eligible until

you get answers and help from those who are qualified to help you through the process.​ WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE _AARP’S “VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES HEALTH BENEFITS NAVIGATOR”_? The

“_Navigator”_ is available as a free download at AARP.org/VetsHealthNavigator. ​