I didn't know what a DVA card was, google is so good sometimes.
The Australian Government has extended eligibility for the Gold Card to include Australian Defence Force veterans 70 years of age and over with Qualifying Service - regardless of the conflict in which they served.
The extension means that these veterans will join the 282 000 Australian war veterans and war widows who currently hold a Gold Card, issued through the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.
To be eligible to receive a Gold Card, veterans must:
* be an Australian Defence Force veteran
* be aged 70 years or over; and
* have Qualifying Service.
Eligible veterans with Qualifying Service from conflicts such as, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation and the Vietnam War will be entitled to receive the Gold Card from 1 July 2002. These veterans will receive the Gold Card regardless of their income or assets, or whether they have a war-caused incapacity or injury.
The Gold Card enables the holder to access, within Australia, the full range of repatriation health care benefits, including choice of doctor, optical and dental care, chiropractic services and pharmaceuticals at the concessional rate.
Some veterans will be automatically issued with a Gold Card and some will need to apply.
Veterans 70 and over who already receive a Service Pension through the Department of Veterans' Affairs will be automatically issued with a Gold Card and will not need to apply.
Those veterans who do not receive a Service Pension, but who think they may be eligible for the Gold Card, are encouraged to apply approximately four weeks before they turn 70.
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