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Women Veterans’ Healthcare Resources for College Students

Women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, yet they continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, especially as student veterans.

Although the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other education benefits provide pathways to higher education, many women veterans encounter barriers to receiving adequate healthcare services on college campuses and through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

This is concerning, given their increasing representation among all veterans in academic settings. According to VA data, the percentage of women veterans has risen from 6.3% in 2000 to 11.3% in 2023, with projections estimating that they will make up 17.2% of all veterans by 2043.

With only an estimated 44% accessing the VA’s women-specific health care, greater awareness along with issues like limited access to gender-specific care, a lack of understanding about available resources, and difficulties in balancing school, work, and healthcare needs create obstacles that can impact your well-being and academic success.

The resources listed here are not necessarily limited to college students, but women veterans planning their higher education journey should know the resources below.

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VA Resources

VA’s health care offerings are vast and complex, reflecting the uniquities of those serving, separated, or retired. To ensure you access all the options you are eligible for, it’s always best to start by contacting the VA directly.

VA Health Care

VA health care is available to individuals with a service-connected disability. However, others may also qualify based on different factors, such as income. Since each person’s situation is unique, contacting your local VA for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances is best. While you can file at any time, it’s best to apply as soon as possible to expedite your care.

Those currently on active duty and who served in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND) in Iraq, may be eligible for “enhanced enrollment,” which includes up to 10 years of healthcare coverage.

Pursue eligibility before you separate, or your combat veteran status may not be applied to the VA’s decision on your enrollment.

In addition, the PACT Act may affect your eligibility for health care by permitting you to enroll directly without first applying for enrollment. For more information, go here to review the toolkit.

VA Women’s Health Care

If you’re a woman student veteran seeking health services, the VA can guide you in researching tailored services that meet your needs. In fact, over the past several years, the VA has ramped up specialized services for women to mirror their growth in the military. Let’s take a look at some options.

The VA Women’s Health page includes a wide array of services that encompass:

• Preventative health screenings
• Reproductive and menopause care,
• Management of existing and chronic health conditions
• Mental health and military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
• Pain management.

Whether you are newly separated or just exploring what is available, the VA Women’s Health Transition Training handbook is a great place to review what is available.

Full Enrollment Versus Specialty Services

You do not necessarily need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive certain services, but the process varies depending on your needs. Here are a few examples:

• If you need emergency care, you should go directly to the local ER and alert the VA within 72 hours of care. The VA may cover your visit.
• In a mental health crisis, you can access care through your local VAMC, Vet Center, VA Urgent Care, or the VA’s Community Care Network.
• You can file a claim through VA.gov or a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
• Military Sexual Trauma support can be accessed through the local VAMC or by phone at 1-855-VA-WOMEN.
• Women Veterans Health Care can be coordinated by calling 1-855-VA-WOMEN and requesting a Women Veterans Program Manager
• If you think you may have PACT Act toxic exposure in the line of duty, you can request a screening at your VAMC, during any VA appointment or by phone at 1-800-MyVA411
• Readjustment Counseling at Vet Centers do not require enrollment and may also be accessible for active duty and some dependents
• Caregiver Support is available at 1-855-260-3274. Eligibility may be dependent on disability rating.
• VA Home-Based Care eligibility is determined on the condition and home-bound status through a consultation with a VA social worker or contacting a local VAMC
• Dental Care eligibility varies. Get assistance by phone, call 1-877-222-VETS
• To request  VA Travel reimbursement for a beneficiary travel claim, go to access.va.gov

VA Student Health Programs

All of the above programs are available to student veterans regardless of the school they are attending. Beyond these, student veterans may be able to access additional support through:

Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program

VR&E is primarily an employment initiative but may offer additional services to support eligible women student veterans, including job planning skills and independent living help for severely disabled veterans.

TRICARE

If you are still serving or retired (not separated) while you attend college or university, you may be eligible for care under TRICARE. Under certain circumstances, you may also have limited eligibility following separation. Let’s look at a few TRICARE programs that may apply to student veterans. You can view all the available TRICARE programs here.

TRICARE Prime

If you are attending college or university and still serving, you are likely enrolled, and you can access care at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) at the closest military installation. Specialty physicians will likely require your TRICARE Primary Care Manager (PCM) referral.

TRICARE Prime Remote

If you are in school but your location is far from a military installation, you may be able to access care through a local community provider using the TRICARE provider directory.

National Guard & Reserves

If you have been activated on national orders for 30 consecutive days, you may be eligible for full TRICARE benefits.

Transitioning Veterans Assistance Program (TAMP)

As you transition from active-duty service, you may be able to retain your TRICARE benefits for up to 180 days through TAMP or longer if you are eligible for extended enrollment.

Emergency Care

Should you require emergency care, you will likely need prior approval unless you are using a TRICARE-approved urgent care

>> Getting affordable life insurance coverage with no medical exam or labs required is easy. Get a no-obligation, free consultation to determine your eligibility.

On-Campus Health Resources

Depending on the school you are attending, there may be various healthcare options for you to consider. These differ significantly from school to school and may be mandatory, so you must research as you make your school decision.

College Health Insurance options: Colleges and universities often have insurance plans for their students, which may be a good option depending on your circumstances. These plans may be more cost-effective and convenient while providing access to services like vision and dental. Since each school has its policy, you’ll want to check with the schools you’re considering for details. Let’s check out a few examples:

University of Texas—Austin

With the nation’s second-largest population of women veterans, UT Austin offers dedicated in-person and online programs as part of its Veterans and Military Affiliated Students (VMAS) initiative. These include support for healthcare, and military sexual trauma (MST).

Learn more about the University of Texas-Austin

Rutgers University – Camden

Rutgers–Camden worked with local legislators to enhance access to health services for women veterans through legislation that established a page on New Jersey’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA)for support with health care, homelessness, job training, and outreach. The state also has a Commission on Women Veterans to further study their needs.

Learn more about Rutgers University-Camden

VITAL Programs

Schools with VITAL work in coordination with the VA and local resources to assist student veterans in applying for VA health care, as well as providing referrals for PTSD, stress, and depression. The staff members are affiliated with the local VA facility and can help with technology, physical, and psychological support, including disability accommodations at local colleges and universities. VITAL operates at 24VA medical centers, 4Veterans Integrated Services Networks, and 144 colleges and universities across the country

Emory University—Emory Veterans Health Program

Emory’s Accelerated Brain Health Program is an evidence-based program that is part of the Emory health care program. Its two-week intensive program is open to women nationwide in person and virtually.

Learn more about Emory University

Counseling Services

If you feel you would benefit from counseling, you can often find individual or group care on campus.  Since where and how these services are delivered to veterans vary, it’s always best to contact the school you are considering for specifics. Here are a few with particularly robust programs on campus.

Syracuse University – Barnes Center at the Arch

Syracuse’s list of mental health support programs for their students includes individual and group therapy, gender-affirming therapy, relationship counseling, mindfulness, substance abuse, and even pet therapy. The Office of Resiliency Program (ORP), in partnership with Hendricks Chapel, is an initiative of The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) and seeks to facilitate mental wellness by providing individual assessments to guide veterans to resources on and off campus.

Learn more about Syracuse University

University of Florida —Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC):

UF’s center is home to confidential counseling to address the distinct needs of student veterans, including acculturation, substance abuse, anger, hypervigilance, stress, depression, and relationship challenges. It is also a Vet Success on Campus school with a dedicated counselor to augment your mental health needs with guidance on academics and other needs you may have.

Disability Services and Accommodations: If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, you are eligible for physical and mental health academic accommodations. Ensure you consider both types of accommodation, including extended time for tests, note-taking assistance, quiet testing atmospheres, flexibility with attendance, adaptive technology, tutoring, ergonomic workstations, and more.

How these are provided and to what extent differ by institution, with larger public schools more likely to have a more extensive variety of offerings. Every school has a Disability Office, so your best bet is to contact them directly as you assess your needs. Here are a couple of schools with disability services.

Learn more about the University of Florida

University of Illinois – Chez Center for Wounded Veterans

If you’re considering schools in the Midwest, the University of Illinois offers an accommodations program specifically designed for student veterans, active-duty personnel, and members of the Guard and Reserves. Within their Veterans Center, you will find fully equipped computer labs, dedicated quiet study areas, tutoring opportunities, and various resources coordinated through Illini Veterans, Student Veterans of America, and the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA).

Learn more about the University of Illinois

Student Health Centers

Many schools offer health centers to provide first-point-of-contact care for their students. The cost and range of services are not uniform, so you’ll want to research what they offer and how much it will cost to access them.

They may include primary care, mental health counseling, immunizations, and reproductive care. Explain the services offered by typical university/college student health centers, including primary care, mental health counseling, immunizations, reproductive support,  and basic health screenings. Since these vary widely, we suggest contacting the school(s) you are considering for their policies and offerings.

Local Community Health Resources

Limited resources often impact schools’ ability to provide all your healthcare needs. For some, a creative approach incorporating local resources can help bridge the gap to what you may need. In most counties, a county office refers veterans to local resources. And it’s always a good idea to check in with the local Vet Center or hospital to gain more perspective on what’s available near your school. Here are a few examples of what may be offered.

Colorado State University – Fort Collins

If you are looking at CSU – Ft. Collins, there is a substantial selection of local resources that may be helpful, including;

Fort Collins Vet Centers

Veteran Centers offer confidential talk therapy counseling for veterans and their families, including support for Posttraumatic Stress (PTS), military sexual trauma (MST), and depression, among other conditions. The Fort Collins Center is also a valuable source of local resources and hosts biweekly art therapy.

City of Fort Collins

The city has a list of local resources, including Volunteers of America, Healing Warrior, the Cheyenne VA Center, and other local and county support organizations.

University of Texas – Austin

If you’re considering UT-Austin, you will find community Texas resources, including several with specific programs to meet the needs of women veterans:

YMCA Greater Austin – Women Veteran Counseling

The YMCA has served the military community for over 150 years and continues providing therapy and counseling services virtually and in person. Their facility in Austin offers flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Some of the areas of focus include depression, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting, and couples therapy.

Travis County Veterans Service Office

Travis County has women benefit counselors who are veterans themselves, creating a welcoming environment in which to explore healthcare and other benefits consistent with your needs.

Texas A&M University – College Station

If you are attending or considering A&M in College Station, you can access extensive services right on campus at their Don and Ellie Krauss Veterans Resource and Support Center. Part of the Center’s programming is an initiative to connect women student veterans and encourage them to contribute to supporting each other and identifying their needs.

Learn more about Texas A&M University

Texas Veterans Commission -Women Veterans Program

The TVC is a statewide resource with coordinators across the state to assist you with local, state, and federal resources to support your needs.

 

> Getting affordable life insurance coverage with no medical exam or labs required is easy. Get a no-obligation, free consultation to determine your eligibility.