VA to Drop Co-Pay for All Telehealth Services

Telehealth services can improve access to medical care, especially for veterans who may have difficulty getting to and from medical appointments. Now, the VA is working to increase the availability and benefits of telehealth services in two important ways. First, the VA plans to award grants to help make virtual visits possible in rural areas. Second, the VA plans to eliminate co-pays for telehealth services.

VA Telehealth Programs

Currently, the VA offers two types of telehealth services veterans who receive VA healthcare along with VA disability benefits or just healthcare services can use from home. One is video visits, which allow the veteran to schedule a doctor “visit” that takes place using a computer, tablet, or even smartphone. Depending on your circumstances, the VA may even be able to help you with a device or internet connection to access remote healthcare.

In September of 2024, after a successful pilot program, the VA rolled out telehealth emergency care for veterans nationwide. This virtual triage helps veterans experiencing potentially urgent medical issues determine the seriousness of their situations and get professional guidance on next steps.

The VA also offers remote monitoring for certain medical conditions. For example, some veterans are eligible for devices that capture and transmit health data to a remote care coordinator.

The VA also uses telehealth technology to expand access to specialists that might not otherwise be available to veterans in some areas, particularly rural areas.

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Current Co-Pays for Telehealth Services

The VA’s co-pay system is somewhat complicated. Whether or not you are expected to pay a co-pay can depend on whether the condition you are being treated for is or is not service-connected, your VA disability rating, your income and other resources, and even how many visits of that type you’ve had during the calendar year. Co-pays can be as high as $50/visit.

When Will the VA Drop Telehealth Co-Pays?

The VA’s proposed changes are still at the rulemaking stage. Currently, the proposed telehealth grant program and the proposal to eliminate co-pays for telehealth appointments are open for public comment until January 13.

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Help for Disabled Veterans

Disabled Vets is here to help disabled veterans get the benefits they deserve. If you are considering filing a claim for VA disability benefits, have been denied VA disability benefits, or have received a VA disability rating you think is too low, you owe it to yourself to learn more about how we can help. Call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form