The spouse or surviving spouse or a child of a veteran with disabilities or a veteran who has died who do not qualify for TRICARE (the Department of Defense’s health care program for active-duty and retired service members and their families) may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Through this program, some of the cost of health care services and supplies may be covered through what is called cost sharing.

CHAMPVA covers services and supplies when it is determined that they are medically necessary and were received from an authorized provider. When providers are performing services within the scope of their license or certification, it is considered to be authorized.

Covered services include:

▪ Ambulance service
▪ Ambulatory surgery
▪ Durable medical equipment (DME)
▪ Family planning and maternity
▪ Hospice
▪ Inpatient services
▪ Mental health services
▪ Outpatient services
▪ Pharmacy (prescription medicines)
▪ Skilled nursing care
▪ Transplants