SOURCE: www.va.gov
Washington, D.C. . . . As previously announced on January 7, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs froze prescription co-payment increases for six months. Veterans who generally have higher income and no service-connected disabilities – referred to as Priority Groups 7 and 8 Veterans – will now pay an additional $1 for each 30-day supply of outpatient medications. Taking effect July 1, the increase to $9 from $8 is the first change in VA’s medication co-pay since January 1, 2006.
“Because of the harsh economic reality facing many Veterans, we delayed the change,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki. “We’re now ensuring the Veterans most in need of VA care are those least affected. Yet, even with this increase, VA medication co-pays are lower than much of the private sector.”
This change does not impact Veterans in Priority Groups 2 and 6 who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for their non-service connected conditions unless otherwise exempted. These Veterans will also continue to have their out-of-pocket expenses for VA outpatient medications capped at $960 per calendar year.
Veterans who have an injury or illness connected with their military service resulting in a disability rated 50 perent of greater – who are known as Priority 1 Veterans – are exempt from the co-pay.
VA generally sets its outpatient medication co-pay rate based upon a regulation that ties the rate to the Medical Consumer Price Index for prescription drugs.
Veterans who have difficulty paying co-payments for outpatient medications should discuss the matter with their local VA enrollment coordinator. Veterans may also contact VA at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) or visit VA’s health eligibility website at: www.va.gov/healtheligibility.