Which Veterans Are Not Required to Make Copays?
Many Veterans qualify for cost-free health care and/or medications based on:
•Purple Heart recipient (may take copay test to determine medication copay status)
•Former Prisoner of War Status, or (both are cost-free)
• 50% or more Compensable VA service-connected disabilities, (0-40% service-connected may take co-pay test to determine medication copay status) or
•Veterans deemed catastrophically disabled by a VA provider
•Veterans with income below the income threshold
•Other qualifying factors, including treatment related to their military service experience.
Some of the Services Exempt from Inpatient and Outpatient Copays
•Special registry examinations offered by VA to evaluate possible health risks associated with military service
•Counseling and care for military sexual trauma
•Compensation and pension examinations are requested by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
This is a physical exam to determine service-related illness or injuries for determination of a Veteran’s entitlement to compensation and pension benefits.
•Care that is part of a VA-approved research project
•Care related to a VA-rated service-connected disability
•Readjustment counseling and related mental health services
•Care for cancer of head or neck caused by nose or throat radium treatments received while in the military
•Catastrophic Disability Exam
•Individual or Group Smoking Cessation or Weight Reduction services
•Publicly announced VA public health initiatives, for example, health fairs
• Care potentially related to combat service for Veterans that served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998. This benefit is effective for 5 years after the date of Veteran’s most recent discharge from active duty.
•Laboratory and electrocardiograms
•Hospice care
