VA Waives Copays for Eligible Native American/Alaska Native Vets
WASHINGTON — Eligible Native American and Alaska Native veterans are no longer required to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The new rule is estimated to impact approximately 25,000 Native American and Alaska Native veterans.
The new plans were first announced by the VA in January of 2022.
In a statement released at that time, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the move was part of broader suicide prevention and health care outreach efforts by the department.
“Research shows increased frequency of outpatient mental health encounters for high-risk veterans reduces their risk of suicide.
“Through these efforts, VA will continue to address this national public health crisis by further eliminating financial burdens on veterans which may negatively influence their engagement in mental health treatment and their critical medication availability,” he said.
Under the new policy, VA will reimburse copayments paid on or after Jan. 5, 2022, and waive future copayments for eligible Native American and Alaska Native veterans.
Beginning Tuesday, April 4, veterans can submit documentation to qualify for the copayment exemption. Eligible veterans include any veteran who meets the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian” under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act — including veterans who are members of a Native American tribe, certain veterans who are descendants of tribe members, Alaska Native veterans and more.
“By eliminating copays, we are making VA health care more affordable and accessible — which will lead to better health outcomes for these heroes,” said McDonough in a recent statement.
If you’re eligible for these copay waivers, you won’t be billed for future copays for these services:
- Hospital care.
- Certain health care services, such as outpatient prescription medicines.
- Urgent care visits.
According to the VA, “You’ll still have to pay copays for domiciliary care, institutional respite care, institutional geriatric evaluation and nursing home care.”
For more information on copayment waivers for Native American and Alaska Native veterans, visit here.
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