VA Exempts Native Veterans from Health Copays in 2023

According to a news release, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) waived or reimbursed more than 143,000 copayments, resulting in $2.5 million in health care cost savings for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.

As part of the VA's 2023 initiative, American Indian and Alaska Native veterans eligible under this program are exempt from copayments for health care, urgent care, and prescription services provided by the VA. Additionally, this policy stipulates that copayments made from January 5, 2022, onwards will be reimbursed.

VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, emphasized that affordable health care is crucial for veterans to lead their best lives. “This copayment exemption honors our treaties with sovereign nations and the distinguished service of American Indian and Alaska Native veterans,” he said.

This exemption is available to any American Indian and Alaska Native veteran recognized as "Indian" or "urban Indian" as per the Indian Health Care Improvement Act criteria.

The VA is actively processing applications for this copayment exemption. Veterans wishing to apply must send a filled-out VA Tribal Documentation Form (VA Form 10-334) along with official tribal documentation to VHA Tribal Documentation, PO Box 5100, Janesville, WI 53547.

Reference

After VA waives copays, American Indian and Alaska Native veterans save $2.5 million in health care costs. News release. Department of Veterans Affairs. Published February 13, 2024. Accessed March 25, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/after-va-waives-copays-american-indian-and-alaska-native-veterans-save-2-5-million-in-health-care-costs/