What does Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 to Dec 7) mean for CHAMPVA beneficiaries?

During Oct 15 to Dec 7 you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan, with changes starting Jan 1. To keep CHAMPVA you must keep Medicare Part A and Part B, or a Medicare Advantage plan. Part D is not required by CHAMPVA.

What is the CHAMPVA benefits enrollment packet?

VA uses the term for what you receive after approval. VA says approved applicants get a welcome letter and a CHAMPVA ID card, and that after you have the enrollment packet you update other health insurance with VA Form 10-7959c and copies of your cards.

Does CHAMPVA have open enrollment? (And what Medicare's fall enrollment means for you)

Q: Does CHAMPVA have open enrollment?

No. VA does not list an open enrollment period or application deadline for CHAMPVA. If you qualify, you can apply online, by mail, or by fax with VA Form 10-10d.

Q: Can CHAMPVA be primary?

CHAMPVA is primary only if you have no other health insurance. With Medicare or other insurance, CHAMPVA pays second, except to Medicaid, state victims of crime compensation programs, Indian Health Services, and supplemental CHAMPVA policies.

Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 13, 2026 (VA CHAMPVA benefits page updated Aug 7, 2026). Changelog

Educational info, not medical advice. Last verified Oct 13, 2026.

Short answer: no. CHAMPVA has no open enrollment season. VA lists no application window or deadline. If you qualify, you can apply online, by mail, or by fax using the Application for CHAMPVA Benefits (VA Form 10-10d). See the Form 10-10d walkthrough and How to apply.

The “open enrollment” you’re hearing about this fall is Medicare’s, not CHAMPVA’s. It matters if you’re 65 or older or otherwise have Medicare.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7

Medicare.gov says that from October 15 to December 7 you can:

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
Join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage Plans (with or without drug coverage).
Join, drop, or switch a Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you’re in Original Medicare.

Changes start January 1 of the next year. The plan must get your request by December 7.

What it means if you have CHAMPVA and Medicare

Keep Part A and Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B to get or keep CHAMPVA. A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) also meets this rule. Don’t drop Part B during open enrollment. See Turning 65 with CHAMPVA.
Medicare Advantage is allowed. If you switch to or from Medicare Advantage, CHAMPVA still pays after Medicare. See Medicare Advantage and CHAMPVA.
Part D is optional. CHAMPVA doesn’t require Part D. But if you have any other prescription coverage, including Part D, you can’t use Meds by Mail. Weigh that before adding a drug plan.
Tell CHAMPVA about changes. If your coverage changes, send VA Form 10-7959c with copies of the front and back of your new Medicare card (and your Part D card, if you have one). See Other health insurance.
CHAMPVA doesn’t pay Part B premiums. It may cover some or all of your Part B deductible.

Can CHAMPVA be primary?

Only if you have no other health insurance. With Medicare or another policy, CHAMPVA pays second. VA says CHAMPVA is always secondary except to Medicaid, state victims of crime compensation programs, Indian Health Services, and supplemental CHAMPVA policies. Full details: CHAMPVA and Medicare: who pays first.

What’s the “benefits enrollment packet”?

It’s not something you request during an enrollment season. VA says that if your application is approved, you’ll get a welcome letter and a CHAMPVA ID card by mail. After you have your enrollment packet, you update other health insurance with VA Form 10-7959c.

Free help comparing Medicare plans

Medicare.gov points to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling, and to the Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare.