If you’re a spouse or child of an eligible Veteran, you might qualify for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
This valuable program helps cover the costs of specific health care services and supplies, making medical care more accessible for families of veterans. Notably, the program also extends benefits to primary family caregivers through its Caregiver Support Program.
To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you must not be eligible for TRICARE and fall into one of the following categories:
Spouses or Children of Veterans: This includes those whose Veteran has been rated as permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Surviving Spouses or Children: You may qualify if the Veteran died from a service-connected disability or was rated permanently and totally disabled at the time of death.
Family Members of Fallen Service Members: If a military member died in the line of duty (excluding cases of misconduct), their surviving spouse or child may be eligible, although these family members typically qualify for TRICARE instead.
Additional notes for CHAMPVA beneficiaries
Medical Care Choices: An eligible CHAMPVA sponsor may receive medical care through the VA health care system based on their own Veteran status. If the sponsor is the spouse of another eligible CHAMPVA sponsor, both can access these benefits. They can choose between the VA health care system or CHAMPVA for their healthcare needs.
Medicare Enrollment: CHAMPVA always acts as a secondary payer to Medicare. To maintain your CHAMPVA benefits, you must enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B if you qualify for Medicare for any reason. If you are over 65, you must also meet specific criteria based on your eligibility date for CHAMPVA.
Important Medicare considerations
- If you turned 65 after June 5, 2001, you must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to keep your CHAMPVA benefits.
- If you turned 65 before June 5, 2001, and you have Medicare, you must maintain both parts to remain eligible for CHAMPVA.
- If you qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you may receive Medicare Part A premium-free. However, you must enroll in and stay enrolled in Medicare Part B to keep your CHAMPVA eligibility.
Key takeaways
To verify your eligibility for CHAMPVA, you’ll need documentation showing enrollment in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Acceptable documents include your Medicare card or an SSA letter detailing your Medicare eligibility dates.
Remember that CHAMPVA is not considered primary health insurance, so it’s essential to have other coverage as well.
If you meet these criteria, you could unlock valuable health care benefits through CHAMPVA. Ensure you stay informed and keep your documentation up-to-date to enjoy these vital resources.
