CHAMPVA, explained in plain English.
Straight answers for spouses, children, survivors, and caregivers of veterans, with every answer linked to VA's own rules.
Call CHAMPVA: 800-733-8387 (TTY 711) · Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. ET
Independent and veteran-run. Not affiliated with VA. Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice.
Start here
What changed recently
- GLP-1 drugs: covered only for FDA-approved uses VA lists, not weight loss. Details
- Form 1095-B: no longer mailed automatically starting in 2026; call 800-733-8387 to request it. Details
Source: VA's CHAMPVA care page, updated Aug 12, 2026.
Am I eligible?Who qualifies, costs, and CHAMPVA vs. TRICARE.The process, step by stepApply, card, care, claims, appeals.All the formsOfficial VA links and when to use each.How to applyForm 10-10d and the documents to include.Filing a claimThe 1-year deadline and an itemized-bill checklist.Medicare & other insuranceWho pays first, and keeping your OHI current.Find a providerMedicare hospitals and clinicians near your ZIP.How providers workNo network? Here is what to ask.Pharmacy & Meds by MailOptumRx, costs, and free home delivery.Vision & dentalWhat is covered and what is not.Common questionsQuick answers, with links to VA sources.
Three things families wish they'd known sooner
- There is no CHAMPVA network. Hospitals in Medicare must accept CHAMPVA for inpatient care, but individual doctors don't have to. Learn what to ask.
- You have 1 year to file a claim, and you'll need an itemized bill, not just a receipt. See the checklist.
- Keep your other-insurance info current, or claims can be denied. Here's how.
Need one-on-one help? Free accredited Veterans Service Organizations can help at no cost. Nobody should charge you to apply for CHAMPVA.
Scam warning: CHAMPVA never asks for payment to apply, and VA doesn't sell CHAMPVA cards. If someone asks for money or your SSN to "speed up" CHAMPVA, hang up and call CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387.
Scam warning: CHAMPVA never asks for payment to apply, and VA doesn't sell CHAMPVA cards. If someone asks for money or your SSN to "speed up" CHAMPVA, hang up and call CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387.