In the beginning it was promised forever if you actually needed it. I joined in 1957 along with a buddy and he was treated gratis at an Oklahoma VA hospital, until he died a couple years ago, it may vary from state to state. He was not disabled or retired but they honored his service anyway.
Lots of us were told medical treatment would be free if we served our hitch and was honorably discharged. Nobody told me it would be means tested just when I started to need it.