The Playbook › Tools, state benefits and reference
CHAMPVA is a health benefits program for the families of certain disabled veterans. It covers the spouse, children and survivors of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected conditions, and survivors of a veteran who died from one. For many families it is the single most valuable benefit that comes with a permanent and total rating, and many do not know it exists.
The short version
- For the spouse or children of a veteran rated permanent and total (P&T), and certain survivors.
- You cannot have CHAMPVA if you are eligible for TRICARE.
- It is cost-sharing: a $50 per person (up to $100 per family) yearly deductible, then you pay 25% of the allowed amount.
- Your household never pays more than $3,000 a year out of pocket for covered care.
- Apply online or with VA Form 10-10d.
On this page
Who qualifies for CHAMPVA
At least one of these must be true:
- You are the spouse or dependent child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability.
- You are the surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability.
- You are the surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran who was rated permanently and totally disabled at the time of death.
You also must not be eligible for TRICARE, the Defense Department’s health plan for service members, retirees and their families. In some cases survivors of a service member who died in the line of duty may qualify too.
VA describes a permanent and total disability as one rated 100% and not expected to improve. See permanent and total disability for how to tell whether your rating is P&T.
Special situations
- Newborns. VA cannot pay a newborn’s claims until the child is enrolled. Get the baby a Social Security number, add the child as the veteran’s dependent, then apply for CHAMPVA as soon as possible.
- Children 18 to 23. Coverage continues while the child is enrolled in school, until 23 or until they marry.
- A child who cannot support themselves because of a disability that began before 18 can keep coverage after 18.
- Surviving spouses who remarry. Remarrying on or after your 55th birthday keeps CHAMPVA. Remarrying before 55 ends it, but it can return if that marriage ends.
- Medicare. If you are eligible for Medicare, you must have Part A and Part B (or a Medicare Advantage plan) to keep CHAMPVA.
- Family caregivers. A primary family caregiver with no other health insurance may get CHAMPVA through VA’s caregiver program.
What it covers and what it costs
CHAMPVA covers most health care, including hospital stays, office visits, mental health care, maternity care, skilled nursing, hospice, ambulance services, medical equipment, transplants and prescriptions. The CHAMPVA Guidebook lists the details. Dental insurance can be bought separately through the VA Dental Insurance Program.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yearly deductible | $50 per person, up to $100 per family, each calendar year |
| Your share after the deductible | 25% of the CHAMPVA allowable amount |
| Most your household pays in a year | $3,000 (the catastrophic cap) |
If you have other health insurance, it pays first and CHAMPVA pays second, and you may owe no cost share at all.
Finding a doctor
There is no CHAMPVA network. Ask any provider whether they “accept assignment” from CHAMPVA, meaning they accept CHAMPVA’s allowed amount as payment. Hospitals and hospital-based providers that accept Medicare must also accept CHAMPVA.
Prescriptions
Fill prescriptions at any pharmacy in the OptumRx network, which includes most local pharmacies. If CHAMPVA is your only prescription coverage, you can also use Meds by Mail, which delivers regular medications to your home at no cost.
How to apply
- Apply online at VA.gov, or fill out VA Form 10-10d, Application for CHAMPVA Benefits.
- If you have other health insurance or Medicare, include VA Form 10-7959c and copies of the front and back of your cards.
- Mail the application and documents to: VHA Office of Community Care, CHAMPVA Eligibility, PO Box 137, Spring City, PA 19475. You can also fax it.
A copy of your marriage certificate (for a spouse) or the child’s birth certificate is optional but speeds things up.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing about it. Families of P&T veterans are often never told. If the veteran’s rating is P&T, check today.
- Waiting to enroll a newborn. Claims cannot be paid until the child is enrolled.
- Dropping Medicare Part B. If you are Medicare eligible, CHAMPVA requires Parts A and B.
Related benefits
- Chapter 35 education benefits for the same spouses and children
- DIC survivor benefits
- Permanent and total disability
Free printable checklist. Everything to gather before you file, what to bring to your C&P exam, and what to check in your decision, on two pages.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is general educational information, not legal or medical advice, and this site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change. Confirm details on VA.gov or with an accredited representative. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.