Are you a Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability? Did you know your family members may have access to VA-covered care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA)?

To help Veterans and their family members learn more about the program, theSITREP – VA Health Care Made Simple invited CHAMPVA’s deputy director and Coast Guard Veteran Luke Davis to its podcast. In the podcast, Davis answers frequently asked questions about CHAMPVA in a series of videos worth watching.

What is CHAMPVA?

Top three takeaways from VA health care for Veterans families | CHAMPVA:

  1. CHAMPVA is a health care benefit program for family members of Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability, provided they don’t qualify for TRICARE. (TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s health care program for active-duty and retired service members and their families.)
  2. CHAMPVA is not an insurance policy, but it shares the cost for care and will pay as secondary to any other health insurance.
  3. Family members can enroll in CHAMPVA by completing and mailing a CHAMPVA application form and Other Health Insurance certification form.

Can CHAMPVA be used outside the U.S.?

Top two points from Using CHAMPVA when traveling overseas:

  1. CHAMPVA provides the same benefits if you live or travel overseas. Deductibles and cost shares are the same as if you were in the U.S. Claim payments are made in U.S. dollars.
  2. You may have to pay up front for your services, but you will be reimbursed once your claim has been approved.

Who can you see with CHAMPVA?

Three highlights from Who can you see with CHAMPVA:

  1. Because CHAMPVA doesn’t have in-network providers, family members can see their regular providers and specialists as long as they accept CHAMPVA payment methods.
  2. Providers who accept TRICARE or Medicare are more likely to honor CHAMPVA.
  3. Family members are encouraged to reach out to their providers and find out if they accept CHAMPVA.

For more information

Call 800-733-8387, Monday through Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET for more information about CHAMPVA. You can also view this CHAMPVA fact sheet or visit the CHAMPVA website.

CHAMPVA resources

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16 Comments

  1. MASON, COLIN February 5, 2024 at 18:01

    Besides being T&P Disabled, I’m curious if you have to also have a regular Civilian Related Type Insurance Policy to qualify for CHAMPVA?

    • JayJay February 7, 2024 at 21:31

      A separate policy is not required to use CHAMP-VA. However if you have one then CHAMP-Va is secondary.

  2. david simpler February 4, 2024 at 17:20

    Good Info!

  3. Tom Festing. February 3, 2024 at 23:34

    CHAMPVA is a life saver takes a lot of worry off the “plate”. It works!!! Thank y’all very much. The team seems stretched, but overall it’s a great program … just need to be patient during peak times.

  4. Melvin F. Jordan February 2, 2024 at 03:26

    I hvave a question about CHAMPVA ELIGIBILITY > YOU SAID > with a permanent and total service-connected disability? > DOES IT MEAN 100 PERCENT RATED DISABILITY ? I am rated at 90 percent rated disabilty > Does my iqualifiy yes or no?
    Melvin F Jordan

  5. Freddie L Dyer February 1, 2024 at 21:15

    My wife is on CHAMPVA and I’m so happy she qualified, my wife had a infection which her life being I was permanently disabled she was covered by ChampVA. I really appreciate this program.

  6. Richard jimenez February 1, 2024 at 19:43

    Sorry, doea VA cover Dental plans for T&P veterans

    • Jackie February 2, 2024 at 10:11

      Yes. Call your VA and ask for dental. My husband just started being covered when he got T&P

    • JayJay February 7, 2024 at 21:41

      Yes they do! And I have had nothing but excellent service. I have just recently had a complete mouth restructure. My local VA Dental Clinic couldn’t accommodate the procedure so they sent me to Portland VA Dental Clinic. (numerous times) They paid my flight and hotel. I now have the most beautiful smile and no more pain! I am so grateful.

  7. Richard Jimenez February 1, 2024 at 19:42

    Does champva cover dent or that through some other benfit from the VA

  8. Teddy Chang February 1, 2024 at 18:59

    I want join member with you.
    How can I join SNS?
    Let me know!

  9. Dennis Armistead February 1, 2024 at 18:43

    Problem with ChampVA is too long to be approved. We applied over 6 months ago and all we hear they are backed up. Why don’t you do a story on that?

    • Johnny G February 9, 2024 at 19:24

      The backlogs, lack of provider lists who accept CHAMPVA, long and paperwork-intensive application, absurd requirements for what must be listed on bills sent for self-paid reimbursement requests, lack of a functional web portal or app to find care or file reimbursement claims, and the chronic lack of mental health providers who “accept assignment” with CHAMPA (which most providers have never even heard of) all combine to make it a tremendously subpar form of coverage for those of us whose service in the military cost us our health (and especially those of us for whom it cost us our ability to work productively at any job that pays a livable wage for a family). The refusal to provide even a partial list of providers who accept CHAMPVA – let alone those who are also accepting patients (especially for mental health care) is a giant cop out of the most shameful sort. This program is a too-little publicized life saver for families living month to month on a totally disabled veteran’s fixed income who cannot afford to pay marketplace rates for bad plans that cover catastrophic care only. It is in dire need of modernization, backlog elimination, and user-friendly provider lists and reimbursement requests. Those waiting unacceptable lengths of time for coverage should call for congressional assistance. There are clearly staffing and funding issues that are catastrophic in their severity.

    • Johnny G February 9, 2024 at 19:26

      Call your congressional office and tell them! They should be able to expedite your claim and it will help spread awareness of this HUGE problem.

  10. Ray Salmi February 1, 2024 at 18:28

    I’ve been working on CHAMP VA for my wife since Nov. 21st of 23.

    I tried to follow instructions very carefully but did not send my form of permanent 100% disability service connected. I have since sent that in.

    It should be made clearer of this requirement. They obliviously have my forms, dates, percent and service connected. SSAN number also.

    • Johnny G February 9, 2024 at 19:25

      Call your congressional office for assistance!

Comments are closed.

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