How to apply for CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)

Who it's for

CHAMPVA is the VA's health-care program for spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children of veterans who are rated 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, who died of a service-connected condition, or who died on active duty. CHAMPVA shares the cost of covered services — inpatient and outpatient care, prescriptions, durable medical equipment, mental health, and skilled nursing care — typically paying 75% of the VA-allowable amount after a small annual deductible. Once a beneficiary becomes Medicare-eligible at 65, CHAMPVA functions as a secondary payer that picks up most of what Medicare doesn't cover, including Part B coinsurance and many Part D-equivalent prescriptions. CHAMPVA is administered out of the VA Health Administration Center in Denver and is separate from TRICARE; a person eligible for TRICARE cannot use CHAMPVA.

What you'll need

• VA Form 10-10d (Application for CHAMPVA Benefits)
• VA Form 10-7959c (CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification)
• Marriage certificate (for spouses), or marriage certificate plus the veteran's death certificate (for surviving spouses)
• Documentation of the veteran's 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating, OR documentation that the veteran died of a service-connected condition or on active duty
• Medicare card (if enrolled) and any other health insurance cards

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need vA Form 10-10d (Application for CHAMPVA Benefits), vA Form 10-7959c (CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification), marriage certificate (for spouses), or marriage certificate plus the veteran's death certificate (for surviving spouses) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: VA Form 10-10d (Application for CHAMPVA Benefits), VA Form 10-7959c (CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification), your marriage certificate (spouses) or marriage certificate plus the veteran's death certificate (surviving spouses), documentation of the veteran's 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating or documentation that the veteran died of a service-connected condition or on active duty, your Medicare card if you are enrolled in Medicare, and any other health insurance cards.
2. Download and complete VA Form 10-10d and VA Form 10-7959c before you apply. Both forms are required for all applicants.
3. Apply online through the VA's CHAMPVA application portal, or call the VA Health Administration Center directly at 1-800-733-8387 to apply by phone or ask questions.
4. Submit all completed forms and supporting documents together. Missing documents can delay processing, so double-check that everything is included before you send your application.
5. After submitting, keep a copy of everything you sent for your records. If you have questions about your application status, call 1-800-733-8387 to follow up.

What to expect: After your application is submitted, the VA Health Administration Center in Denver will review your eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact the center at 1-800-733-8387 for an estimate on your specific application. If approved, CHAMPVA will share the cost of covered services — generally paying 75% of the VA-allowable amount after a small annual deductible. If you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare, CHAMPVA acts as a secondary payer and picks up most costs that Medicare does not cover. CHAMPVA does not have a set expiration date, but you are required to report any changes to your other health insurance coverage every year by submitting an updated VA Form 10-7959c. Keeping this information current ensures your cost-sharing is calculated correctly.

Renewals

ongoing (annual reporting of other health insurance to keep cost-share assignment current)