VA forgiving copays? Cross posted in GD...

[Wounded Bear]

As a veteran on Level 7, I pay copays for all of my prescriptions and some of my office visits. This would be a big deal. This is the first I have heard of this.

https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20210323-copayment-debt-refunds-forgiveness

Copayment Debt: Refunds, Forgiveness
American Recovery Plan also waives copayments through September 2021

A male Veteran fills out paperworkVA copayments for medical care will be waived, refunded, or forgiven under the American Recovery Plan. If you're a Veteran who receives care through VA, here's what this means for you:

If you received a statement with copayment charges from April 6, 2020, or later, we'll remove these charges. You won't need to pay them.

If you already paid any copay charges from April 6, 2020, or later, we'll send you a refund.

If you have unpaid copay charges from before April 6, 2020, you don't have to make payments until September 30, 2021. We won't add fees or interest or take other collection action on these charges during this time. But you can still make payments if you'd like. Find out how to pay your VA copay bill.

You don't need to do anything at this time to get a refund. We ask for your patience as we work to adjust statements and send refunds.

Would love to hear from fellow Vets if you have received the same notice.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I got it. Surprised me-- no idea it was coming.

[Wounded Bear]

2. Me either. Just showed up on my email...

thought I'd give any DU Vets a heads up, though. It's a big deal for me. I pay $50-75/month on co-pays.

The only caveat I have is the line about a statement. I haven't received a statement from the VA since the whole covid thing started. I'm kind of flying in the dark on that, I just take a guess and send them some bucks based on my prescriptions received and whether I had any appointments.

Good news though. I'll take any money they want to send me.

[taxi]

3. I got the same email from myhealthevet

On to the myhealthevet website, I typed 'paperless' in the search box. Nothing was found. I guess we will never know how to switch from on-line statements to paper ones, or vice versa. They must have upgraded the system!

[Wounded Bear]

4. I've never gotten paperless statements either...

since the start of covid, I have not received anything from VA about my bill.

I don't even know how to figure out my balance.

[taxi]

5. This may help:

For Statement Questions or Address Change: Call - 1-866-793-4591

Waiver: You have the right to request a waiver of part or all of your debt. [link:http://www.va.gov/vaforms] Type VA5655 into the box.

Compromise offer: You have the right to request a compromise. (same as above)

Hardship determination: You have the right to request a Hardship Determination which provides an exemption from future outpatient and inpatient copayments for the remaining calendar year. [link:http://www.va.gov/vaforms] Type 10-10HS into the box.

Reduce or eliminate your copayments: If you have private health insurance, including coverage provided under spouse's policies: [link:http://www.1010ez.med.va.gov]

Submitting your request: In person, or mail to the address of your parent VA Medical Center. (mine is Bay Pines)

and not a damned word about paper statements - situation normal...

[keithbvadu2]

6. 1+

[GP6971]

7. I first saw the

announcement about a week ago in a military.com report. And then I saw it in a VA newsletter a couple of days ago.

I received a letter from the VA in late November saying they would resume billing in January and never received anything. So now with the announcement it ends up being 18 months of no copays. Every little bit helps.

[Wounded Bear]

8. I saw that letter, too...

up until covid I got a monthly statement and the letter said it would start coming again.

Hey, I'm down with it. Helps me out a bit.