Information for Caregivers

The VHA Office of Finance, Payment Operations is responsible for the administration of Primary Family Caregiver benefits which includes calculating and processing the stipend payment for eligible Primary Family Caregivers. Stipend payments are based on a tier-level rating determined by the Veteran's Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT). The application process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)–VA Caregiver Support Program is facilitated by the local Caregiver Support Program Team.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

We are also responsible for enrolling the eligible Primary Family Caregiver into the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) when there is no other health insurance (OHI) coverage, to include TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial health plans through employment and individual plans.

VHA Office of Finance, Payment Operations is responsible for processing health care claims for eligible Primary Family Caregivers under CHAMPVA, processing reconsiderations, and providing customer service support to Primary Family Caregivers for questions related to stipend payment and CHAMPVA benefits.

Pharmacy Benefits Available

Beneficiaries of the CHAMPVA for Primary Family Caregivers can access pharmacy benefits through a local retail pharmacy or through our Meds by Mail (MbM) program. Meds by Mail offers nonurgent, maintenance prescription medications delivered directly to your home. The best part of MbM is that there is NO cost share or co-pay and no annual deductible. The medication is provided with no out-of-pocket cost to you! Additional information on the MbM program can be found on the Meds by Mail page.

Meds by Mail

Program Publications and Forms

Publications

CHAMPVA Handbook for the Primary Family Caregiver
This handbook contains important information on CHAMPVA health care benefits for the Primary Family Caregiver. You are highly encouraged to read it carefully prior to using your CHAMPVA benefits.
Preventing Suicide Among Older Veterans
Resource and tips for Veterans, family members, caregivers, and friends

Fact Sheets

Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Caregiver submit a CHAMPVA application form once approved for the Caregiver Support Program?
No, the Caregiver does not need to fill out a separate CHAMPVA Application for Benefits, VA Form 10-10d. The Caregiver may request CHAMPVA through their Caregiver Support Coordinator if they are not entitled to medical benefits though any other health plans.

Are CHAMPVA benefits for the Caregiver different than the benefits for a standard CHAMPVA beneficiary?
The benefits are the same; the only difference is the eligibility criteria. A caregiver that is enrolled in Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is not allowed any other health insurance.

Who is eligible to be a Caregiver?
Anyone approved by the Centralized Eligibility Assessment Team. They do not have to be a relative/spouse of the Veteran, but must be over 18 years of age.

Are medical claims for Caregivers processed the same as standard CHAMPVA claims?
Yes, they are processed identically.

Is the stipend payment taxed?
No, the monthly stipend payment made to a Primary Family Caregiver is considered a non-taxable benefit, similar to Veteran disability payments. Please refer to the Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163.

Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163