Va To Increase Medication Co-Pay By 12.5% On July 1, 2010

[pacmanx1]

VA TO INCREASE MEDICATION CO-PAY BY 12.5% ON JULY 1, 2010 The co-pay for a 30-day supply of medication from the VA will increase from $8 to $9.

NOTE from Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org ... Why is this happening?

Because the Secretary CAN do it. But, he doesn't HAVE to do it.

In the current economy this increase is unwarranted.

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VA PRESS RELEASE

VA Announces Change to Medication Copays for Some Veterans

June 10, 2010

WASHINGTON - As previously announced on January 7, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) froze prescription copayment increases for six months. Veterans who generally have higher income and no service-connected disabilities - referred to as Priority Groups 7 and 8 Veterans - will now pay an additional $1 for each 30-day supply of outpatient medications. Taking effect July 1, the increase to $9 from $8 is the first change in VA's medication copay since Jan. 1, 2006.

"Because of the harsh economic reality facing many Veterans, we delayed the change," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We're now ensuring the Veterans most in need of VA care are those least affected. Yet, even with this increase, VA medication copays are lower than much of the private sector."

This change does not impact Veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6 who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for their non-service connected conditions unless otherwise exempted. These Veterans will also continue to have their out-of-pocket expenses for VA outpatient medications capped at $960 per calendar year.

Veterans who have an injury or illness connected with their military service resulting in a disability rated 50 percent or greater – who are known as Priority Group 1 Veterans -- are exempt from the copay.

VA generally sets its outpatient medication copay rate based upon a regulation that ties the rate to the Medical Consumer Price Index for prescription drugs.

[john999]

Pete992

Are not the VA some cheap bastards? I don't have copays, but you could probably do as well at Walmart for those who do have copays.

[chr49]

Pete992

Are not the VA some cheap bastards? I don't have copays, but you could probably do as well at Walmart for those who do have copays.

I agree, many chains (such as Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger, etc) have extensive $4 lists for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply. Also, most pharmacies will honor the $4 list of another chain in order to keep your business. It might be worth checking into whether your meds would be cheaper locally.

Edited June 13, 2010 by chr49

[Vync]

If the index went up, that means inflation. I wonder if the VA will follow up with a cost of living adjustment... Wait, I'm expecting too much... I forgot we are talking about the VA...

[SLEDGE]

Historically, the VA uses the increase that Social Security comes up with.

Don't expect an increase in VA compensation until SSD gives one.

In the meantime, the VA will do whatever the VA wants to do.

sledge

[john999]

We all have to pull in our belts a little tighter even the old lady eating dog food down the block. Those running hedge funds have to give up the extra house in Barbados. Life is hard. I am sure glad I don't live in Denmark or one of them socialist countries that take care of undeserving poor people. When the going gets tough the tough take a vacation. Those lazy 90 year olds are eating us out of house and home.