Partially true, but incomplete and somewhat misleading in its details—it's a common misconception about VA health care eligibility.
Not all veterans can access comprehensive VA health care (e.g., at a VA hospital or clinic) for any reason, but the barriers aren't as rigid as described.
Let me break it down clearly based on current VA rules
First, all veterans must meet a baseline service requirement to even apply for VA health care: honorable discharge (or similar) after active-duty service, with at least 24 continuous months if you enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or the full period called to active duty).
This applies regardless of income or job status. Once eligible, the VA assigns you to one of 8 "priority groups" that determine your access, wait times, and costs (like copays). Higher groups (1-3) get priority for all care; lower ones (7-8) may face limits or higher costs.
It's not a hard $55,000 cutoff
- Income does affect eligibility, but it's not a blanket "$55,000 per year" rule for everyone. The VA uses "means testing" based on your household gross income (yours + spouse/dependents) from the prior year, minus certain deductions like unreimbursed medical expenses or education costs. Limits are updated annually and vary by location (using geographic means test, or GMT, thresholds) and family size—typically around the federal poverty level plus adjustments, not $55,000.
- For 2025, national thresholds start around $16,000-$28,000 for a single veteran (depending on dependents), but can be higher in high-cost areas (e.g., up to $40,000+ in places like California). There's a "relaxation" rule: If your income is just 10% over the limit, you can still enroll in Priority Group 8 with copays.
- If your income exceeds these limits and you lack other qualifying factors (like a service-connected disability), you may be placed in Priority Group 8. However, new enrollments in Group 8 for high-income veterans without service-connected issues have been restricted since 2003 due to capacity limits—existing enrollees can stay, but others might be denied full access.
In short: A veteran with a "good job" and retirement income over ~$55,000 (or the actual threshold) won't automatically be barred, but they could face denial for non-service-connected care if they're not already enrolled or don't qualify for a higher group. Many still get in via other paths.
CaIl 877-222-8387—they'll verify the above.