Eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are no longer required to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“American Indian and Alaska Native veterans deserve access to world-class health care for their courageous service to our nation,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a statement. “By eliminating copays, we are making VA health care more affordable and accessible — which will lead to better health outcomes for these heroes.”
The VA announced the implementation of the new rule on Monday. The change is estimated to impact approximately 25,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.
VA will reimburse copayments paid on or after Jan. 5, 2022 and waive future copayments for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. Beginning Tuesday, April 4, veterans can submit documentation to qualify for the copayment exemption.
Eligible veterans include any veteran who meets the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian” under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. That includes veterans who are members of an American Indian Tribe, certain veterans who are descendants of Tribe members, Alaska Native veterans, and more.
In order to receive financial relief, eligible veterans should mail 1) a completed VA Tribal Documentation Form and 2) a copy of official tribal documentation demonstrating that they meet the definition of “Indian” or “urban Indian” to PO Box 5100, Janesville, WI 53547.
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The new policy was made possible due to provisions passed in the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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