While Alabama military families and veterans do have access to the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs or Department of Defense health benefits, the options can seem endless and endlessly confusing, but not anymore.
The Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator, makes access to health care simple. Whether a single mother, the spouse of a retiree, a son or daughter inquiring for an elderly parent, AARP has thought through complex scenarios and combined its valuable information and resources into what is essentially a 22-page digital assistant. This guidebook details exactly what benefits are available, outlines step-by-step how to qualify for specific health benefits, obtain the necessary paperwork and start the application process. Health care is not a one-size-fits-all but this guidebook is an essential place to start for an overview and commonly asked questions when it comes to understanding what may or may not be available.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 28% of the 388,865 Alabama veterans have used their VA benefits. AARP Alabama State Director, Candi Williams, responds “now more than ever, veterans and military families need help accessing the health care benefits they earned serving our country. This free, one-stop resource will help make the process less confusing and overwhelming for veterans and military families as they navigate their options.”
The AARP Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator will help families:
- Learn more about health benefits provided through the VA and DoD;
- Understand how to apply for and enroll in VA health care; and
- Identify how to get help from representatives who have experience and knowledge of the VA’s process for awarding benefits.
CEO Jo Ann Jenkins writes in an opening statement, “Our mission at AARP is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, and a key part of that is supporting Veterans, Military, and their families. We are committed to providing trusted information you can use when you need it. That’s why we offer this guidebook as a free resource to assist you on your life’s journey.”
AARP’s Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator is available at www.AARP.org/VetsHealthNavigator. For more information and other resources for veterans, visit www.aarp.org/veterans.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.
