CHAMPVA Overview

Introduction

• Instructor: Oliver
• Topic: Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

What is CHAMPVA?

• A comprehensive health care program
• Administered by the Veterans Health Administration Office in Denver, Colorado
• VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries

CHAMPVA vs. TRICARE

• CHAMPVA:
  • A Department of Veterans Affairs program
• TRICARE:
  • Regionally managed healthcare program
  • For active duty, retired members of the uniformed services, families, and survivors
• Eligibility:
  • Military retirees or spouses of veterans killed in action are always TRICARE beneficiaries

CHAMPVA and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

• ACA expands access to affordable healthcare
• CHAMPVA fulfills the minimum essential coverage requirement under ACA

CHAMPVA Coverage

• Covers most medically and psychologically necessary services and supplies
• Examples of covered benefits:
  • Ambulance service
  • Ambulatory surgeries
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Family planning and maternity care
  • Hospice services
  • Inpatient and outpatient services
  • Mental health services
  • Pharmacy
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Transplant services

Eligibility for CHAMPVA

• Cannot be eligible for TRICARE
• Must meet one of the following:
  • Spouse or child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability
  • Surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a VA-related service-connected disability
  • Surviving spouse or child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled at the time of death
  • Surviving spouse or child of military member who died in the line of duty (not due to misconduct)

CHAMPVA and Medicare

• CHAMPVA is secondary payer to Medicare
• Must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B to keep CHAMPVA benefits
• Social Security documentation of enrollment is required
• Enrollment in Medicare Part D is not required for CHAMPVA eligibility

Conclusion

• CHAMPVA provides comprehensive healthcare for eligible beneficiaries
• Understanding eligibility and coverage is crucial

• End of Lesson
• Thank you for joining