VA vs. MHS: What is the Difference and Which Should You Use?
If you have served in the US military or are currently serving, you’ve heard of both the VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the MHS, Military Health System. While both of these systems are connected to the military, they each serve a different purpose. Depending on your military status, one of these systems will offer eligibility rules and benefits designed to better support you. Understanding the differences between them is essential to ensure you can access the right care at the right time.
WHAT IS THE VA?
Who it serves:
“The VA aims to support Veterans as they transition into civilian life and beyond.”
The Department of Veterans affairs is the largest integrated healthcare system in the US, serving almost 9 million veterans. It aims to support Veterans as they transition into civilian life and beyond.
VA services are dedicated to supporting Veterans, with eligibility determined by each person’s unique service history and circumstances. Eligibility is based on factors like length of service, type of discharge, and sometimes even income level, and Veterans with service-connected disabilities usually get higher priority.
What it offers:
The VA’s main goal is to help you succeed and live a long and healthy life after the military. To support this goal, they offer a variety of services to help you get the best care anytime.
Services include:
Primary and Preventive Care
Specialty services like cardiology, prosthetics, and rehabilitation
Mental health programs, including PTSD and substance abuse treatment
Long term care and geriatric support
Prescription drug coverage
Outside of healthcare, the VA also provides disability compensation, pensions, education benefits (i.e. the GI Bill), home loan assistance, and job training programs.
How is care delivered:
Most of the care that you will receive will take place at VA hospitals and outpatient clinics, staffed by VA employees. However, if a facility is out of reach or doesn’t offer the services needed, you may be eligible to receive care from a community provider through the VA’s “Community Care” program.
In short, the VA is a Veteran focused system that aims to take care of former service members by addressing both their medical needs and broader life support like housing, education, and financial stability.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
When you want to retreat is actually when you should reach out to your loved ones - US Army Veteran
WHAT IS THE MHS?
Unlike the VA, the Military Health System is a network of health services run by the Department of Defense. Its main goal is to keep active duty service members healthy and ready, while also supporting their families.
Who it serves:
The MIlitary Health System serves more than just active duty members.
The main beneficiaries are:
Active duty service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard when operating under DoD)
National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders
Military retirees
Eligible family members and dependents
Survivors of service members in some cases
What if offers:
Since the MHS’s largest section is active duty service members, it heavily focuses on providing comprehensive medical services to support both routine health and readiness for deployment.
Its care includes:
Primary and emergency care
Surgical and specialty services
Women’s health and maternity care
Pediatric services for dependents
Mental health and counseling services
Preventive health and immunizations
This care is tailored to make sure members are meeting strict health standards and are able to return to duty as quickly and safely as possible.
How care is delivered:
There are two main ways to receive care in the MHS. The first way is through Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). These hospitals and clinics are located on or near bases and are staffed by military and civilian medical personnel. If you are an active duty member, you will most likely get your care at one of these facilities.
Another way members get their treatment is through TRICARE. This is the health insurance plan for retirees and dependents that allows them to see civilian providers that aren’t at a MTF. Some plans allow you to use a mixture of MTFs and TRICARE.
Overall, the MHS is designed for operational readiness and family support. Active duty members rely on it for nearly all aspects of their care, while retirees and families can access it alongside or instead of civilian health care through TRICARE.
Which one works best for you?
So, should you use the VA or the MHS? The answer depends on who you are and what you need. If you are an active duty member, the MHS will be your main system, and you will usually get your care at a MTF or through TRICARE (if you're referred to a civilian provider). On the other hand, if you are a Veteran, the VA is the right system for you. The VA will provide all of your disability benefits, and programs like education and housing support.
Explore Additional Information for Veterans and Service Members
Here are some helpful resources to determine your eligibility and benefits:
