1. Veteran has a permanent and total service-connected disability
2. The veteran died of a service-connected condition
3. The veteran was totally disabled from a service-connected condition at the time of death
4. The spouses or dependents MUST have Medicare coverage.

The program becomes effective October 1, 2001.   CHAMPVA will pay benefits for covered medical services to eligible beneficiaries who are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.   The CFL benefit is payable after Medicare.   If you have Medigap type insurance CHAMPVA becomes third party payer.

If you are eligible for TRICARE FOR LIFE (TFL) you are NOT eligible for CHAMPVA.   TFL is for military retirees and their dependents.   CHAMPVA FOR LIFE combined with Medicare gives you extensive coverage.   The combination will cover most of your medical needs.   There are exceptions.   If the procedure is not covered by Medicare it probably won't be covered by CHAMPVA. (Eye glasses, Dental)

There is an extensive Outpatient Prescription Medication Benefit that goes with CHAMPVA.   You should use Meds by Mail program to have your prescription delivered to your home.   The medication is FREE!!   If you wish you can use the Medical Matrix network.   There are over 45,000 pharmacies nationwide in this program.   In this program you will pay 25% cost share after the annual deductible is met.

CHAMPVA FOR LIFE CANNOT--REPEAT--CANNOT USE A VA MEDICAL CENTER.

CHAMPVA WILL COVER YOUR MEDICAL EXPENSES OVER SEAS.
MEDICARE DOES NOT.

CHAMPVA WILL PAY THE $792 FIRST DAY HOSPITAL DEDUCTIBLE.

CHAMPVA WILL NOT PAY MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS.


CFL information is on a recorded toll free line 24 hours a day. 1-888-289-2411
Toll free line 1-800 733-8387 Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time.

Website may be found here.


Information provided by Randall Edwards