VA Telehealth for Older Veterans

01What's available

Any veteran enrolled in VA health care can receive telehealth, though it isn’t suitable for every condition. Live visits by video or phone work like in-person appointments, and can be requested online, by phone or in person¹.

02Tips for caregivers

Ask the VA care team which telehealth options fit the veteran’s needs; telehealth isn’t right for every condition¹.

03ATLAS sites

ATLAS locations are community spaces with private rooms, high-speed internet and an on-site attendant who helps connect to the video visit².

04Live visits and visits that aren't live

VA groups telehealth into two kinds. Synchronous telehealth happens in real time: a scheduled video or phone appointment with a provider, a specialist consultation, or a follow-up visit¹. Asynchronous telehealth doesn’t happen live: the veteran or caregiver sends something in, and the care team reviews it and follows up later¹.

Source: VA telehealth¹².

05Making telehealth work for an older parent

• Do a test call first. Ask the clinic whether a staff member can run a practice video call before the real appointment.
• Sit in on the visit. A caregiver can join a video visit with the veteran's permission to help with hearing, memory and follow-up notes.
• Use phone visits when video is too hard. Phone appointments are a live telehealth option too¹.
• Ask about a device. If the veteran has no smartphone, tablet or computer, ask the care team whether VA can help with a device or internet access; video visits require both¹.
• Turn up the volume and light. A well-lit room and a headset or amplifier help veterans with hearing or vision loss. See VA hearing and vision care.

06Remote monitoring for chronic illness

For veterans with heart failure, diabetes, COPD or high blood pressure, remote patient monitoring sends readings like weight, blood sugar and blood pressure from home to a VA care coordinator, who calls when numbers drift¹. For a frail veteran, catching a three-pound weight gain early can mean a medication change instead of an emergency room visit.

Remote monitoring works well alongside Home Based Primary Care, whose team visits in person and can check in by video between visits³.

07What it costs

Telehealth is part of VA health care, so the same copay rules apply to the veteran’s priority group. Veterans with a service-connected rating of 10% or more don’t pay outpatient copays, and others may owe the $15 primary care or $50 specialty copay in 2026; ask the clinic whether a copay applies to a particular telehealth visit⁴. Telehealth also cuts trips, which reduces the need for travel reimbursement and long rides.

08When telehealth isn't the right choice

VA says telehealth isn’t suitable for every condition or situation¹. Hands-on exams, many procedures, lab draws and imaging still need an in-person visit, and secure messages aren’t for emergencies; call 911 for an emergency. Response times for messages can vary by clinic¹. If a parent’s needs are growing, ask about community care near home when VA can’t offer care nearby⁵.

09Getting started

1. Ask the primary care team which visits can be virtual. Telehealth appointments can be requested online, by phone or in person¹.
2. Sign in to VA.gov or the VA: Health and Benefits app. Secure messages and many video links run through them¹.
3. Set up delegate access if you help manage care. Ask the clinic how a caregiver can be added so you can message the team.
4. Find an ATLAS site if home internet is weak. ATLAS locations have private rooms, internet and an attendant to help connect².

10Telehealth for the caregiver too

VA’s caregiver programs offer some support by phone and video, including coaching and peer support, which can help a caregiver who can’t leave the house⁶. Ask the Caregiver Support Program which sessions are offered virtually.

11Getting free help