Change in Medication Co-Pays
On January 7, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it would freeze increases on prescription copayments for six months. It is now the end of that time period. Veterans who generally have higher incomes without any service connected disabilities, referred to as Priority Groups 7 & 8 Veterans, will be required to pay an additional one dollar for each 30 days supply of medication. This ruling went into effect on July 1, 2010. This increase from eight dollars to nine dollars is the first change in the cost of VA medication since January 1, 2006.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki explained, “Because of the harsh economic reality facing many Veterans, we delayed the change. 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 will not affect Veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6. They will continue to pay eight dollars 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.

If a Veteran has sustained an injury or illness which is connected with military service, and if said injury or illness has resulted in a disability rated fifty percent (50 %) or greater, then he or she is classified as a Priority Group 1 Veteran, and will be exempt from the co-pay.

The 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 copayments for outpatient medications should discuss the matter with their local VA enrollment coordinator. Veterans may also contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at 1- (877) 222 VETS (8387) or visit VA’s health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility.
On a personal note, I’m trying to answer all phone messages as I receive them, but in the process of traveling to cover two offices, my time has decreased exponentially. I ask your forbearance if I do not get back to you as quickly as you’d like. We will soon have another National Service Officer on staff at the Orlando VA Medical Center and the pressure will be relieved. In an emergency, please call (800) 795-3594. Thank you for your patience.

Belton Smith

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