CHAMPVA — Healthcare for Veteran Dependents

Free or low-cost health coverage for spouses and children of severely disabled veterans

Are You Eligible for CHAMPVA?

Answer a few quick questions to see if you or your family member qualifies.

Question 1 of 3
What is your relationship to the veteran?
Question 2 of 3
Is the veteran rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled due to a service-connected condition?
Question 2 of 3 (continued)
Does the veteran have a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating?
Question 2 of 3 (continued)
Did the veteran die from a service-connected condition, or while on active duty?
Question 2 of 3
Are you under age 18, OR between 18–23 and enrolled full-time in school, OR permanently disabled (before age 23)?

✅ You Likely Qualify for CHAMPVA

Based on your answers, you appear to meet the CHAMPVA eligibility requirements. Here's what CHAMPVA provides:

  • Inpatient and outpatient medical care — any licensed provider
  • Prescription medications through CHAMPVA Meds by Mail
  • Mental health care including therapy and psychiatry
  • Preventive care, maternity care, and lab tests
  • Cost: No monthly premium. 25% cost-share after a $50/individual or $100/family annual deductible.

Not covered: Dental, vision (most services), long-term care, cosmetic surgery.

⚠️ Not Currently Eligible as a Spouse

CHAMPVA for spouses requires that the veteran has a 100% P&T rating, TDIU status, or died from a service-connected condition. If the veteran's rating changes, eligibility can change.

Explore other VA family and caregiver benefits →

⚠️ Check Age & School Status

You may not currently be eligible for CHAMPVA. Children lose eligibility at age 23 (or at 18 if not in school), unless permanently disabled before that age. If your status changes, recheck eligibility.

ℹ️ CHAMPVA Is for Veteran Dependents

CHAMPVA covers only spouses, surviving spouses, and children/stepchildren of qualifying disabled veterans. You may not be eligible, but explore VA caregiver and family support benefits.

Explore VA caregiver benefits →

Application
How to Apply for CHAMPVA
The application process is straightforward — here's exactly what you need.

Application Steps

📋
Complete VA Form 10-10d Download the Application for CHAMPVA Benefits from va.gov or request by mail. Fill it out completely for each eligible dependent.
📄
Gather Required Documents Veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers) · Marriage certificate (if spouse) · Birth certificate (if child) · Medicare card (if Medicare eligible) · Social Security numbers for all applicants
📬
Mail Your Application VHA Office of Community Care · PO Box 469028 · Denver, CO 80246-9028 · Do NOT submit to your local VA facility — it must go to Denver.
⏳
Wait for Processing Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks. Your coverage is retroactive to the date your application was received. You'll receive a CHAMPVA ID card when approved.
Coverage
What CHAMPVA Covers
CHAMPVA provides broad coverage — comparable to major civilian health insurance plans.

✅ Covered

  • Doctor visits (any licensed provider)
  • Hospital stays and surgery
  • Mental health care and therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Preventive care and screenings
  • Maternity and OB/GYN care
  • Cancer treatment and chemotherapy
  • Lab tests and X-rays
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Ambulance services (when medically necessary)
  • Durable medical equipment

❌ Not Covered

  • Dental care (separate program)
  • Routine vision and glasses
  • Long-term / custodial care
  • Cosmetic and elective surgery
  • Copays at VA facilities (not reimbursed)
  • Services outside the US (usually)
  • LASIK eye surgery
  • Infertility treatments (most)
Important
CHAMPVA & Medicare

⚠️ Medicare Part B Required

If you are eligible for Medicare, you must enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain CHAMPVA benefits. This is a firm requirement — CHAMPVA becomes the secondary payer, coordinating with Medicare to cover remaining costs. Failure to enroll in Part B when eligible will result in loss of CHAMPVA coverage. If you are only eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital), you may still qualify — contact the CHAMPVA Center at 1-800-733-8387 to verify.

FAQ
Common Questions About CHAMPVA
Yes — CHAMPVA has no provider network restrictions. You can see any licensed provider in the US who accepts new patients and agrees to bill CHAMPVA. There is no referral required for most services. This is one of CHAMPVA's biggest advantages over many civilian health plans.
Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks after the VA receives your complete application. Once approved, your coverage is retroactive to the date your application was received — so you can submit claims for care received after that date even before your card arrives. Make sure to keep receipts for any care received during the processing period.
CHAMPVA coverage ends on the date of legal separation or divorce. You must notify the VA within 30 days of the divorce to avoid overpayment issues. Surviving spouses who remarry before age 55 also lose eligibility, but can regain it if that subsequent marriage ends. Consider COBRA continuation coverage as a bridge option while exploring alternatives.
Yes. Children can remain on CHAMPVA up to age 23 if they are enrolled full-time in an approved school (you must provide annual proof of enrollment). Children who were permanently and totally disabled before age 23 may remain on CHAMPVA indefinitely with no age limit. Contact the CHAMPVA Center at 1-800-733-8387 to report school enrollment status each school year.

Need help with your VA claim?

claim.vet guides veterans through disability claims, healthcare enrollment, and more — free, step by step, with AI assistance.

Use claim.vet →