CHAMPVA
A VA-run health insurance program for the spouses and children of certain disabled or deceased veterans.
CHAMPVA is a comprehensive health care benefits program in which the VA shares the cost of covered services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. CHAMPVA covers spouses, surviving spouses, and children of veterans who are rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA, who died of a service-connected condition, or who died on active duty. It is similar to TRICARE but is not the same program — eligible family members of disabled or deceased veterans use CHAMPVA, while military families generally use TRICARE. CHAMPVA covers most medically necessary inpatient and outpatient care, prescriptions, mental health, durable medical equipment, ambulance services, and family planning. There is an annual deductible, cost-shares, and a yearly catastrophic cap. Beneficiaries can use almost any licensed provider that accepts Medicare or CHAMPVA. Apply with VA Form 10-10d, and renew eligibility each year if circumstances change. Children generally lose CHAMPVA at age 18 (or 23 if a full-time student).
In real life
- The spouse of a 100% P&T veteran enrolls in CHAMPVA for medical and prescription coverage.
- The child of a deceased service-connected veteran uses CHAMPVA for routine pediatric care until age 18.
- A surviving spouse uses CHAMPVA alongside Medicare after her husband's service-connected death.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about CHAMPVA
Who qualifies?+
Spouses and children of veterans who are 100% P&T, who died of a service-connected condition, or who died on active duty.
Is CHAMPVA the same as TRICARE?+
No. They are separate. You cannot use both at the same time.
How do I apply?+
File VA Form 10-10d and supporting documents at va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva.
Are there premiums?+
No premiums — but there is an annual deductible and cost-shares for most services.
Source: va.gov