Medicare open enrollment and your CHAMPVA eligibility

It's open enrollment season. Now through Dec. 7, millions of Americans can select 2025 Medicare plans. If you're currently enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) or may be eligible, your Medicare status can impact your CHAMPVA benefits.

CHAMPVA eligibility

CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through VA that shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. You may be eligible for CHAMPVA if you are a spouse, widow(er), or child of a service-connected, permanently and totally disabled Veteran, or they were when they died.

You need Medicare Parts A & B to be eligible for CHAMPVA

If you are eligible for Medicare for any reason at any age, you must have both Part A and Part B to be eligible for CHAMPVA. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you are over age 65 and were never eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you do not need Part B. Call the CHAMPVA help line, 800-733-8387, or visit Ask VA for information about your specific situation.

Tips about your CHAMPVA eligibility and Medicare

• If you already have Medicare, keep your Medicare Part B coverage. If you cancel Medicare Part B coverage, your eligibility for CHAMPVA benefits will end on the same day your Part B coverage ends.
• If you are a CHAMPVA beneficiary turning 65, make sure you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Send us a copy of your Medicare card and a CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification Form (VA Form 10-7959c). We will send you a new CHAMPVA identification card with an extended expiration date.
• Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, is optional. Consider instead using the Meds by Mail program (you can only pick one). Meds by Mail provides maintenance medications at no charge to you (no premiums, no deductibles, and no co-payments) if you don't have any other prescription drug coverage.

Apply for CHAMPVA today in three steps:

1. Fill out the application for CHAMPVA Benefits, VA Form 10-10d (up to three beneficiaries per form).
2. Complete the Other Health Insurance Certification, VA Form 10-7959c (fill this out for each beneficiary).
   • Include a copy of your Medicare card (if you're already enrolled).
   • If you or an eligible family member are age 65 or older and not entitled to Medicare, you must send documentation from the Social Security Administration that confirms you are not entitled to Medicare benefits under anyone's Social Security number.
3. Submit your forms by:
   • Fax to: 303-331-7809.
   • Mail to: VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Eligibility, PO Box 137, Spring City, PA 19475.