Copayment collections and statements for medical care and pharmacy services might seem overwhelming, especially this time of year, but we want to remind Veterans that debt relief programs are available and accessible.

Collection of copayments resumed on Oct. 1, 2021, after an 18-month halt, due to the American Rescue Plan (ARP). ARP included a provision that canceled copayments for medical care and pharmacy services received April 6, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, and directed refunds to be issued.

Some statements may reflect cancellation of copayments and refunds as some transactions continue to be processed. It’s important to focus on the “Balance” section of statements when viewing them. For information on how to better understand your patient statement, click here: Understanding your VA Patient Statement VA 10-0246.

Team standing by to assist

“Our goal is to make sure Veterans understand that expansive debt relief options are just a click of the mouse or a phone call away,” said Susan Reed, executive director of VHA Office of Revenue Operations. “Our team is standing by to assist if statements appear confusing or clarification is needed.”

Collection actions resumed Oct. 1, 2021. Due to Public Law 104-113, Debt Collection Improvement Act, copayments for medical care and pharmacy services delinquent 90 days or more are subject to a reduction of VA benefits to satisfy the balance. Copayments delinquent 120 days or more are subject to referral to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection action. VA recommends considering applying for debt relief as soon as possible if this is a concern.

Veterans can click the link below to learn about financial hardship options:  https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/revenue_ops/Financial_Hardship.asp or call 866-400-1238, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET to learn more.

Key facts:

  • Copayments for medical care and pharmacy services resumed Oct. 1, 2021.
  • Copayments for medical care and pharmacy services incurred April 6, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, were canceled and refunds sent by VA.
  • Monthly statements show charges incurred for medical care and pharmacy services provided prior to April 6, 2020, and on or after Oct. 1, 2021.
  • Canceled copayments may appear on your patient statement in the description field and the amount canceled will show in the Payments and Credits block. The Payments and Credits block will also show amounts you paid toward your balance.

 Support and resources

Topics in this story

American Rescue PlanARPCOVID-19

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11 Comments

  1. Robert Bruce MacGregor February 1, 2022 at 01:43

    VA HAS CONSTANTLY MAILED MY CO PAYS TO THE WRONG ADDRESS, FOR MY BILLING CO PAYS…..FROM 2017-2018-2019. SO BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED THE VA LETTERS THAT I OWED CO PAYS..THEY SENT THAT BILL TO THE TREASURY DEPT….WHO..(UN BELIEVABLY) ADDS 32 % TO THE BILL!!! OUTRAGEOUS.! IF ANYONE CAN REPLY, HOW TO FIGHT THIS ALLEGED DEBT PLEASE REPLY,
    A VET IN NEED..( THIS DEBT” WILL TAKE FOOD OFF OUR TABLE FOR SURE1

    [Editor: Please update your contact information at VA.gov or by calling 800-827-1000.]

  2. Douglas edington January 13, 2022 at 22:18

    How can I get a refi acne on my house with past due payments because of this COVID mess and servicer demanding paid in full back payments

  3. Rob Myers January 13, 2022 at 18:15

    I am a Veteran that I need help with my medicine for payments, if possible.
    Thanks Rob Myers…

  4. Richard LaBerge January 13, 2022 at 18:06

    If the VA would send my prescriptions to Optum RX , I wouldn’t have a copay.

  5. Richard LaBerge January 13, 2022 at 18:03

    If the VA sent my prescriptions to Optum RX I wouldn’t have any copays

  6. Michael McNally January 13, 2022 at 14:46

    I have been trying to get the address corrected that you keep mailing my statements to. This is an old address and has been going on for over 10 yrs now and it still isn’t changed. All of my other VA mail and prescriptions all come to the correct address. I have repeatedly contacted Buffalo as well as my local VA clinic. Who can I contact to get this fixed?

  7. Jason Payne January 12, 2022 at 21:04

    What about VA home loan issues resulting from job loss due to COVID. Ive lost 3 jobs in the past year due to lack of supplies, equipment and contract termination.

  8. Ronald E. Chan January 12, 2022 at 19:48

    I’m happy with paying for the VA Meds that I get in the mail. I’m happy with the VA Care I get with my Military Disability , BUT I have been waiting since August 2020 for payment from Tampa due to the outcome of WOLFE VS WILKIE. Denver Community Care is the only one that’s offered any help, which they are helping me get this payment. What’s going on with Tampa and their Payment Dept.?
    ,

  9. FLORA January 12, 2022 at 19:34

    I have a drug plan on second plan. Does the VA bill pharmacy drugs to insurance . I have GEHA secondary MEDICARE A & B . Geha covers my drugs

  10. Bruce A Withrow January 12, 2022 at 06:15

    Does the VA offer debt relief for those who aren’t in default?

Comments are closed.

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