CHAMPVA: health coverage for veterans’ families

CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) is a cost-sharing health program for the family members of certain disabled or deceased veterans. It's badly under-known and can save a family thousands of dollars a year.

Who qualifies

You may be eligible if you're the spouse or child of a veteran who:

  • Is rated permanently and totally (P&T) disabled from a service-connected condition, or
  • Died from a service-connected condition, or
  • Died while rated permanently and totally disabled.
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Key rule: you generally can't have CHAMPVA if you're eligible for TRICARE. CHAMPVA covers families who aren't covered by the military's TRICARE program. Note it covers the family — not the veteran, who uses VA health care.

What it covers & what it costs

CHAMPVA covers most medically necessary care — doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, and more. It's cost-sharing: after a small annual deductible (about $50 per person, up to $100 per family), CHAMPVA generally pays 75% of the allowable amount and you pay the rest, with an annual catastrophic cap that limits your out-of-pocket costs. If you have Medicare, you generally need Part A and Part B to keep CHAMPVA. (Confirm current cost-share figures in the CHAMPVA Guidebook.)

How to apply

  1. Complete VA Form 10-10d (Application for CHAMPVA Benefits).
  2. Submit it to the VHA Office of Community Care, with supporting documents (marriage/birth certificates, Medicare card if applicable).
  3. Start at VA.gov (CHAMPVA).

Related: what a 100% P&T rating unlocks, survivor benefits (DIC), and the caregiver program.

General information; eligibility and cost-shares are set by the VA and can change. Confirm at VA.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for CHAMPVA?

The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected condition, or who died while rated permanently and totally disabled — as long as you are not eligible for TRICARE.

Does CHAMPVA cover the veteran too?

No. CHAMPVA covers the veteran’s family members. The veteran uses VA health care.

How do I apply for CHAMPVA?

Complete VA Form 10-10d and submit it to the VHA Office of Community Care with supporting documents (marriage/birth certificates, and Medicare card if applicable).