Is CHAMPVA for your family?

SFL Logo April 16, 2024

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 

Article Source:  Is CHAMPVA for your family?