Take advantage of your CHAMPVA pharmacy benefits

Get your prescriptions delivered to your home without having to wait in long lines or pay high out-of-pocket costs. Receiving the medications you need, when you need them, has never been easier for beneficiaries enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

Eligible dependents can take advantage of unique cost-saving pharmacy benefits through CHAMPVA with the OptumRx pharmacy benefits manager and/or Meds by Mail home delivery.

CHAMPVA is one of four family member-focused health benefits programs offered through VA. Under this program, VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. The spouse, widow(er) and children of a Veteran are eligible if the Veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability or was at the time of death.

To receive CHAMPVA benefits, you cannot be eligible for TRICARE.

Let the OptumRx pharmacy benefits manager work for you

If you have private health insurance with prescription coverage, CHAMPVA can help cover the cost of your medications as a secondary payer through VA’s pharmacy benefits manager, OptumRx.

The OptumRx network has more than 66,000 participating retail pharmacies nationwide that can electronically submit your pharmacy claims.

For more information about OptumRx, or to order a pharmacy card, call the OptumRx Beneficiary Help Desk at 888-546-5502. You must be enrolled as a CHAMPVA beneficiary.

If you do not have other health insurance, you can choose between OptumRx and Meds by Mail for your prescription needs.

Get your prescriptions delivered with Meds by Mail

Beneficiaries who are using CHAMPVA health care benefits (without other health insurance) have automatic access to Meds by Mail.

Meds by Mail offers a convenient option to get non-urgent prescription medications delivered directly to your door. Meds by Mail is a free service with no enrollment, no out-of-pocket expenses (cost share or copay), and no annual deductible for all CHAMPVA beneficiaries who do not have other health insurance with pharmacy coverage.

All you need do is tell your doctor to send in your prescription electronically using the pharmacy name, “Meds by Mail CHAMPVA.”

For more information on Meds by Mail:

• Download or print the new Meds by Mail brochure to keep important information about our home delivery service within reach.
• Register for a MyHealtheVet account for online access to refill requests and prescription delivery tracking.
• Contact your Meds by Mail Servicing Center. Representatives can help you with your Meds by Mail questions.
  • Meds by Mail – East: 866-229-7389
  • Meds by Mail – West: 888-385-0235
  • Meds by Mail automated prescription refill line: 888-370-1699

Your vaccines are covered, too

Beyond getting your prescriptions, CHAMPVA pharmacy benefits also include COVID-19 vaccines at your local VA medical facility or in the community at a participating OptumRx pharmacy. The CDC recommends that all adults get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Find out which VA facilities have walk-in availability or schedule an appointment.

Under its preventive services, CHAMPVA also covers your annual flu shot, shingles vaccine and any other CDC-recommended vaccines for your age group. Make sure to bring your CHAMPVA ID card and your provider will bill CHAMPVA for the administrative fee for the vaccine.

How to get started

To make the most of CHAMPVA pharmacy benefits, you must first be enrolled in the program. If you’re using CHAMPVA health care benefits (and do not have other insurance with prescription coverage), you can use both OptumRx and Meds by Mail services. If you have other health insurance, CHAMPVA can help cover the cost of medications as a secondary payer within the OptumRx network.

Find out which option is right for you by following these steps:

1. Check your eligibility and apply for CHAMPVA. Already enrolled? Skip to step 2.
2. Find a participating pharmacy near you in the OptumRx network to fill your prescriptions (Note: you can take advantage of OptumRx if CHAMPVA is your primary or secondary health care benefits provider).
3. Opt into Meds by Mail to get prescription medications delivered to your door with no extra fuss (Note: this service is only available if you do not have other health insurance).

Support and resources

• Pharmacy Benefits – Community Care (va.gov)
• Meds by Mail (MbM) – Community Care (va.gov)
• CHAMPVA – Community Care (va.gov)
• CHAMPVA Eligibility – Community Care (va.gov)
• How to Apply for CHAMPVA – Community Care (va.gov)