How experiences shape military and Veteran health care

Improving health care access for those who serve

Optum Serve commissioned a comprehensive ethnographic research project with military service members and families, Veterans, their caregivers and health care providers — including 208 in-depth ethnographies. In 2025, Optum Serve shared these insights during a speaker session at the inaugural Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) TotalForce+ Military and Veteran Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Through this research, Optum Serve gained critical insight into the unique gaps in health care access faced by active and retired service members and their families, along with a practical vision for bridging these gaps. Our goal is to share actionable strategies with stakeholders across the health care ecosystem to expand access, strengthen resilience and improve whole-health outcomes for those who serve and those who care for them — demonstrating our commitment to delivering the right care in the most compassionate way, every time.

Watch the recording to discover how new insights are driving innovative solutions to improve health care access, resilience and whole-health outcomes for Veterans, service members and their families. This session highlights practical strategies to better support those who serve — and those who support them.