Originally published: 2024-11-29T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
It’s open enrollment season. Now through Dec. 7, millions of Americans can select 2025 Medicare plans. If you’re currently enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) or may be eligible, your Medicare status can impact your CHAMPVA benefits.
CHAMPVA eligibility
CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through VA that shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. You may be eligible for CHAMPVA if you are a spouse, widow(er), or child of a service-connected, permanently and totally disabled Veteran, or they were when they died.
You need Medicare Parts A & B to be eligible for CHAMPVA
If you are eligible for Medicare for any reason at any age, you must have both Part A and Part B to be eligible for CHAMPVA. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you are over age 65 and were never eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you do not need Part B. Call the CHAMPVA help line, 800-733-8387, or visit Ask VA for information about your specific situation.
Tips about your CHAMPVA eligibility and Medicare
- If you already have Medicare, keep your Medicare Part B coverage. If you cancel Medicare Part B coverage, your eligibility for CHAMPVA benefits will end on the same day your Part B coverage ends.
- If you are a CHAMPVA beneficiary turning 65, make sure you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Send us a copy of your Medicare card and a CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification Form (VA Form 10-7959c). We will send you a new CHAMPVA identification card with an extended expiration date.
- Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, is optional. Consider instead using the Meds by Mail program (you can only pick one). Meds by Mail provides maintenance medications at no charge to you (no premiums, no deductibles, and no co-payments) if you don’t have any other prescription drug coverage.
Apply for CHAMPVA today in three steps:
- Fill out the application for CHAMPVA Benefits, VA Form 10-10d (up to three beneficiaries per form).
- Complete the Other Health Insurance Certification, VA Form 10-7959c (fill this out for each beneficiary).
- Include a copy of your Medicare card (if you’re already enrolled).
- If you or an eligible family member are age 65 or older and not entitled to Medicare, you must send documentation from the Social Security Administration that confirms you are not entitled to Medicare benefits under anyone’s Social Security number.
- Submit your forms by:
- Fax to: 303-331-7809.
- Mail to: VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Eligibility, PO Box 137, Spring City, PA 19475.
CHAMPVA and other health insurance
If you have any type of other health insurance (for example, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna), CHAMPVA will be the secondary payer. If you have more than one health insurance, CHAMPVA will pay after the other plans. CHAMPVA only pays first if you’re enrolled in Medicaid, Indian Health Services, State Victims of Crime Compensation Program or CHAMPVA supplemental health insurance.
Support and resources
- Check out these videos to learn more about CHAMPVA.
- Call the CHAMPVA Help Line at 800-733-8387, available 8:05 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
- Submit a question online to Ask.VA.gov.
- Visit the Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare Part B.
- Explore health and disability benefits for families and caregivers.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
