CHAMPVA is the Department of Veterans Affairs' health care program for the dependents of qualified veterans. CHAMPVA stands for Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a rule, the program is secondary to other health insurance. It will pay in part for the costs of health care services and equipment deemed "medically necessary." For full coverage, you would need a CHAMPVA supplemental insurance.
If you are the spouse, child or widow(er) of a veteran of the U.S. military, this is how you can apply for CHAMPVA benefits.
Instructions
1. VERIFY YOUR CHAMPVA ELIGIBILITY.
As the dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for either CHAMPVA or TRICARE, not both. To qualify for CHAMPVA benefits, you must be the spouse, widow(er) or child of:
a) a veteran who is judged by the VA as permanently and totally disabled owing to a service-connected disability
b) a veteran who died because of a service-connected disability
c) a veteran who died with a permanent and total disability rating at the time of death
c) a military serviceman or woman who died in the line of duty (no bad behavior or misconduct) and whose dependents do not qualify for TRICARE
Coverage for dependents aged 65 or older is possible. Spouses and children may lose their eligibility for CHAMPVA benefits under certain conditions. For complete details, see CHAMP VA Fact Sheet 01-03.
2. Before you apply for CHAMPVA benefits, the veteran spouse or parent must first claim you or the beneficiary as a dependent. To do this, have he veteran contact the VA Regional Office in your area and submit VA form Declaration of Status of Dependents. Attach proof of relationship with the dependent(s) such as a copy of your marriage certificate and birth certificate(s). If either the sponsor veteran or the dependent spouse has been previously married, include proof of its termination. When updating the veteran's Status of Dependents (say, after the birth of a new child), it might not be necessary to resubmit old documents. Ask your regional office to be sure.
3. SUBMIT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
The most basic documents required when applying for CHAMPVA benefits are the following:
1) VA Form 10-10d - Application for CHAMPVA Benefits - information on the dependent and the veteran sponsor, including Social Security Numbers, signed and dated
2) VA Form 10-7959c - Other Health Insurance Certification - information on your other health insurance, signed and dated
3) Marriage Status Application Attachment - information on civil status
4) Medicare Card copy - if applicable
5) Proof of ineligibility for Medicare if 65 or older from the Social Security Administration - if applicable
You can download the CHAMPVA forms from the VA Health Administration Center page.
4. SUBMIT THE OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS.
Some documents can help expedite the processing of your CHAMPVA application. If you don't want to wait months for its completion, add the following as well:
1) Marriage certificate or license (the web site says license) of veteran and spouse
2) Birth certificate or adoption decree for children
3) Proof of your veteran disability rating (VBA rating)
4) Veteran's DD214 (discharge certificate)
5) Certification of school enrollment for children between 18 and 23 years old (See CHAMPVA Fact Sheet 01-02.)
Be careful about sending any original documents. Send copies unless originals are required.
5. MAIL YOUR APPLICATION.
When finished compiling your CHAMPVA benefits application, mail the package to:
CHAMPVA-Eligibility
PO Box 469028
Denver, CO 80246-9028
Or whatever address is indicated on the VA web site at the time you file.
Tags: CHAMPVA benefits, apply CHAMPVA, Department Veterans, Department Veterans Affairs, dependent veteran, disability rating
