Copay Freeze for Veterans Extended Through 2016

October 13, 2015

By Allison Gilchrist

Veterans who obtain their prescriptions at a VA pharmacy will see their copays remain steady through 2016.

Under a new rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend its freeze on co-payment increases until at least December 31, 2016.

This federal rule comes as a relief for VA officials who expressed concerns that veterans would reduce their use of pharmacy benefits if their co-pays increased, thus affecting their adherence to prescribed medication regimens.

Currently, veterans must pay a portion of their prescription drug costs for non-service-related conditions if their income exceeds established thresholds. Depending on their eligibility status in the VA system, this can translate to $8 or $9 per 30-day prescription.

While the co-pay freeze is a victory for veterans’ health, some other recent policy changes may negatively affect veterans and their families.

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