📄 Printable Script

Get Your Provider to Accept CHAMPVA

If your provider already accepts Medicare, they can accept CHAMPVA — today. Hand them this one-page script to make it happen.

Why This Works

CHAMPVA is not a traditional insurance network. Hospitals and hospital-based providers that accept Medicare are required to accept CHAMPVA, and any other practice is free to accept it too — no credentialing, no network application, no waiting period.

Sometimes front desk staff turn patients away simply because they don't recognize the name "CHAMPVA." This script gives them everything they need to say yes.

1
Fill in your name and phone number On the lines provided in the script below.
2
Print or show on your phone Hand it to the office manager or billing department — not just the front desk.
3
Bring your CHAMPVA card Your authorization card has your member ID. The office will need it to submit their first claim.
← Find CHAMPVA Providers
The Script — Hand this to your provider's office
VetSpouseBenefits
VA Benefits for Veteran Families · vetspousebenefits.com
CHAMPVA Patient Resource For Office Manager / Billing Department

Accepting CHAMPVA — What Your Office Needs to Know

To: Office Manager / Billing Department  |  From: Your Name                 |  Phone: Your Number        

I am covered under CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) — the VA's health care program for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans. I would like to receive care at this practice under my CHAMPVA coverage.

✓ If this practice accepts Medicare, you can accept CHAMPVA — there is nothing to sign up for.
  • No separate network enrollment or credentialing required
  • No application, no waiting period
  • Reimbursement rates are comparable to Medicare
  • CHAMPVA's allowable amount is payment in full (no balance billing); claims are due within 1 year of the date of service
  • A few services need preauthorization first (inpatient mental health, care for alcohol or substance use disorders, certain dental care, organ transplants, Wegovy and Zepbound) — call 1-833-930-0816. Outpatient mental health visits do not need it.
  • This is a federal government program, not a commercial insurer

CHAMPVA does not have an exclusive provider network. Per VA policy, hospitals and hospital-based providers that accept Medicare must also accept CHAMPVA; any other provider may choose to treat CHAMPVA beneficiaries and submit claims directly to the VA, with no enrollment step required either way.

📋 Billing Information
Payer ID (medical):84146 Payer ID (dental):84147 Mail claims:VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Claims, PO Box 30750, Tampa FL 33630-3750 VA Customer Call Center:1-800-733-8387 (Mon–Fri, 8:05am–7:30pm ET) Provider portal:department.va.gov/vha/community-care/family-member-care/champva/

I will provide a copy of my CHAMPVA authorization card at the time of my visit. If Medicare is also applicable, CHAMPVA functions as secondary coverage — Medicare should be billed first.

If your billing team has questions, the CHAMPVA provider line (above) is staffed by VA representatives who can walk through the process. Most providers complete their first claim without issue.

Thank you for considering this. I look forward to continuing my care here.

This resource is provided free by VetSpouseBenefits · vetspousebenefits.com
This is not an official VA document. VetSpouseBenefits is an independent resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. It was written by a CHAMPVA beneficiary advocate, not by VA.
Information is drawn from VA’s published CHAMPVA guidance. Please verify independently at department.va.gov/vha/community-care or by calling VA at 1-800-733-8387.