Questions about CHAMPVA Eligibility and Benefits

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is the health benefit program in which the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) shares the cost of some health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. As with all insurance, there are many questions that need answers. Lawyers on JustAnswer answer a wide variety of CHAMPVA related questions. Below are five of the top questions that have been answered by the Experts.

Can a person lose their spouse’s CHAMPVA coverage in the event of a divorce?

Many people are unaware that they could lose their CHAMPVA coverage in the event of a divorce. CHAMPVA is a program administered by the VA. To be eligible for the CHAMPVA coverage, you must be married to the veteran. If you divorce, you will no longer be eligible for the coverage in most cases.

Why does CHAMPVA expect a person to have Medicare part A and part B on their social security?

If a person is on social security disability, CHAMPVA would be the secondary insurance. According to CHAMPVA, you would be at risk from social security for not enrolling in part B if you are eligible and decline to enroll. The reason for this is CHAMPVA would have to cover costs that Medicare part B would have covered. You could be liable for any bills that part B would have covered from CHAMPVA.

Is there any medical assistance other than CHAMPVA for dental needs of dependents of veterans?

CHAMPVA is the only healthcare coverage for dependents of veterans. If CHAMPVA does not cover your dental needs, you may have to find a different type of insurance. Many dental offices also offer payment plans that allow the patient to pre-pay for dental needs. If this is not an option, you may need to pay out of pocket expenses.

How do you file a TRICARE/CHAMPVA claim?

Insurance claims can be a hassle if you are not familiar with the medical terminology. If you have the form, fill out as much as you can. You should attach the statement for the charges with the form. You can ask someone in the billing department at your doctor’s office for assistance if you have any questions. Another option is to call the customer service number on the back of your TRICARE card. Someone in the claims department can explain how to file the claim and where to mail it.

How does a person find healthcare providers that accept CHAMPVA?

Usually you can ask your healthcare provider if they honor CHAMPVA insurance. If you have your CHAMPVA card, there is a number on the back. This number will put you in contact with someone who can tell you who is and who isn’t one of their providers. If you don’t have a card yet, look in the membership material for a number to contact CHAMPVA. They are the only ones with this information. If for some reason, you can’t find a phone number, try to find the number in the phonebook.

If you have questions about CHAMPVA and can’t seem to find the right answers, ask a Lawyer on JustAnswer. The Experts on JustAnswer can offer an experienced answer to your questions and will help you find the best option for your individual your situation.