Health Insurance Enrollment Among US Veterans, 2010-2021

Abstract

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care spending has increased in the past decade, in part due to legislative changes that expanded access to VA-purchased care. To understand how insurance coverage and enrollment in VA has changed between 2010 and 2021. This cross-sectional study used data from surveys conducted from 2010 to 2021. Participants were respondents across 4 national surveys who reported being a US veteran and reported on health insurance enrollment. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to June 2024. Self-reported health insurance coverage, reliance on VA insurance, and self-reported health. Among a total of 3 644 614 survey respondents (mean [SE] age, 60 [0.04] years; 91.3% [95% CI, 91.2%-91.5%] male) included, 52.2% (95% CI, 52.0%-52.4%) were out of the labor market and 63.1% (95% CI, 62.9%-63.3%) were married. In 2010, 94% of all veterans and 94% of veterans younger than age 65 years reported having health insurance coverage on the American Community Survey. Insurance enrollment increased over time, and by 2020, 97% of all veterans and 95% of veterans younger than 65 years reported having health insurance coverage on the American Community Survey. Insurance enrollment estimates were similar across the surveys. Approximately one-third of veterans reported being enrolled in VA health coverage. Of those who enrolled in VA insurance, more than 75% had more than 1 form of coverage, with Medicare and private insurance being the most common second insurance sources. VA insurance enrollment was negatively associated with income and health status. Veterans without insurance tended to be unemployed and younger. This study of veterans who responded to 4 national surveys found that veterans enrolled in VA health coverage had high rates of dual coverage. Further legislative efforts to increase access without recognizing the high rates of dual coverage may yield unintended consequences, such payer shifting.