CHAMPVA guides
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider.
Asking a doctor to accept CHAMPVA: a call scriptWhat to say when you call a new doctor's office about CHAMPVA, what 'accept assignment' means, and what to do if they say no.CHAMPVA for primary family caregivers: who qualifiesPrimary family caregivers in VA's caregiver program with no other health insurance can get CHAMPVA. VA enrolls you automatically.CHAMPVA vs. TRICARE: why you can't have bothCHAMPVA is a VA program and TRICARE is a Defense Department program. If you're eligible for TRICARE, you can't get CHAMPVA. Here's why.Does Medicare Advantage count for CHAMPVA?Yes. VA says a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan meets CHAMPVA's Medicare Part A and B requirement. Here's how payment works.How to file a CHAMPVA claim yourself (VA Form 10-7959a), step by stepStep-by-step: set up direct deposit, get an itemized bill, attach your EOB, and file VA Form 10-7959a online or by mail within 1 year.Remarriage and CHAMPVA for surviving spousesSurviving spouses who remarry at or after 55 keep CHAMPVA. Remarry before 55 and it ends, but it may return if that marriage ends.Turning 65 with CHAMPVA: Medicare Parts A and B and the notice of disallowanceAt 65, CHAMPVA requires Medicare Part A and Part B, or proof you're not eligible. What to send, Part D rules, and how costs work.VA Form 10-10d walkthrough, section by sectionA plain-English walk through the CHAMPVA application (VA Form 10-10d): sponsor info, applicant info, certification, and the documents to attach.What needs prior approval (preauthorization) under CHAMPVAMost CHAMPVA care needs no approval first. Exceptions: inpatient mental health, substance use treatment, dental, and organ transplants.When CHAMPVA ends for a child: age 18, students to 23, and marriageCHAMPVA for children ends at 18 unless they're a full-time student (up to 23) or became permanently unable to self-support before 18.Where did my 1095-B go? CHAMPVA tax form changes in 2026Starting in 2026, VA no longer mails Form 1095-B automatically. You don't need it for federal taxes, but you can request it by phone.