For veterans who have never enrolled in VA health care, Jose Salcedo has a simple message: don’t wait until you need it.
Salcedo, Associate Chief of Community Outpatient Service for the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, said veterans sometimes assume there is no reason to enroll if they already have insurance or don’t currently need medical care. Others may simply be unsure whether they qualify.
He encourages veterans to find out.
Salcedo said one of the biggest advantages of VA health care is the long-term access it can provide. Unlike most Americans, he said, eligible veterans who remain enrolled can have access to a health care system designed specifically around the needs of veterans.
He also pointed to what he sees as an important distinction between the VA and non-VA health care. The VA, he explained, benefits when its patients remain healthy, allowing providers to focus on long-term health and well-being.
Getting Enrolled
Veterans can apply for VA health care in several ways: online, by telephone, through the mail or in person. Salcedo recommends visiting a VA facility in person when possible so staff can help with the process.
Veterans should bring their military discharge papers, such as a DD214, if available. Salcedo said VA staff may also be able to locate military records if a veteran doesn’t have a copy readily available.
Applicants should also have Social Security numbers and dates of birth for their dependents, along with current health insurance information.
Veterans can apply online at **VA.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/** or call **1-877-222-8387** for enrollment assistance.
Don’t Assume You Don’t Need It
Salcedo said two misconceptions commonly prevent veterans from enrolling.
Some think, “I don’t need VA health care right now.” Others worry, “I don’t want to take the place of another service member.”
Salcedo said neither should keep a veteran from enrolling. In fact, he explained that the number of veterans enrolled in the system helps determine the resources available to serve them. By enrolling, veterans aren’t taking something away from someone else.
Concerns about long wait times can also discourage veterans from seeking VA care. While stories about VA wait times have received national attention, Salcedo said they don’t reflect what he sees within the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System.
He said same-day primary and specialty care can be available when a patient’s medical needs require it.
Help Is Available
Veterans don’t have to navigate the process alone. The Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission can also help veterans and their families connect with benefits and services for which they may qualify.
Veterans will have another opportunity to connect with VA representatives at VHA80 Vet Fest on Saturday September 12th, 2026 from 9:00am until 1:00pm in Uniontown, Ohio.
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is also continuing to expand its presence in the region, including a new outpatient clinic under development in Medina.
For veterans who have spent years assuming VA health care isn’t for them, Salcedo’s message is straightforward: don’t make that decision without first learning what is available.
A veteran may not need VA health care today. Enrolling, however, can help ensure that another health care resource is there when they do.
