Applying for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) can provide crucial secondary health care benefits, helping families of disabled or deceased veterans manage their medical expenses. To ensure a smooth application process and timely access to these valuable benefits, it’s essential to submit the correct supporting documents. This guide outlines the necessary paperwork based on your specific circumstances.
Documents Needed If You Have Other Health Insurance
If you possess other health insurance coverage, including Medicare, you’ll need to provide the following two documents to process your CHAMPVA application effectively:
- CHAMPVA-Other Health Insurance Certification (VA Form 10-7959c): This form officially certifies your other health insurance coverage. You can easily download VA Form 10-7959c to complete and include with your application.
- Copy of Health Insurance or Medicare Card: Submit clear copies of both the front and back of your health insurance card or Medicare card. This allows verification of your existing coverage.
Important Note: If your existing coverage includes Medicare Part D for prescription medications, remember to also include a copy of the front and back of your Medicare Part D card. This ensures comprehensive processing of your secondary health care program application.
If You Are 65 or Older and Not Eligible for Medicare
For applicants aged 65 or older who do not qualify for Medicare, a specific document is required to confirm your ineligibility. This ensures proper consideration for Secondary Health Care Programs like CHAMPVA.
- Social Security Administration “Notice of Disallowance”: Obtain and submit an official “notice of disallowance” from the Social Security Administration. This document serves as formal confirmation that you do not qualify for Medicare benefits under any Social Security number, which is necessary for your CHAMPVA application review.
For Spouses or Surviving Spouses of Veterans
To expedite the processing of your application as a spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran, including your access to secondary health care programs, providing optional supporting documents can be beneficial.
- Optional Documents: Submit one of the following to help verify your spousal relationship:
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of civil union
- Common-law marriage affidavit
For Surviving Spouses Remarried Before Age 55 (Remarriage Ended): If you are a surviving spouse whose remarriage before the age of 55 has ended, you can further assist in processing your application by submitting documentation of the remarriage ending.
- Optional Documents: Submit one of the following to confirm the end of your remarriage:
- Divorce decree
- Annulment decree
- Death certificate
If You Are Applying For or As a Dependent Child
For applications involving dependent children, submitting a copy of the child’s birth certificate can significantly speed up the process, facilitating access to secondary health care benefits through CHAMPVA. Additional documents may be necessary based on specific circumstances.
- Child’s Birth Certificate: Provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate as a primary supporting document.
Specific Situations for Dependent Children:
- Adopted Child: Include a copy of the official adoption papers.
- Stepchild: Submit proof of marriage between the Veteran sponsor and the child’s biological parent to establish the stepchild relationship.
- Child Between 18 and 23 and in School: Provide a school certification letter as proof of enrollment. This certification needs to be renewed annually to maintain eligibility for secondary health care programs.
Learn how to submit a school certification letter - Child Incapable of Self-Support Before Age 18: A disability rating letter for the child (sometimes referred to as a “helpless child” rating) can be submitted to help expedite the application. Contact your local VA regional office for guidance on obtaining this letter.
Find a VA regional office near you
Submitting the correct supporting documents is a crucial step in ensuring your CHAMPVA application is processed efficiently, allowing you and your family to access the secondary health care programs you are entitled to. Double-check this guide and gather all necessary paperwork to facilitate a smooth and successful application experience.
