...copayments of private primary insurance? My friend has served in the army for a long time but never availed of any VA health benefits at all. Now he is facing very large copayments over $100 for certain medications, thanks to his private health insurance carrier's copay requirements. Is it possible for him to sign up with VA in order to have copayments covered under some VA benefit? Are there better alternatives than this maybe? Thanks!

If your friend is able to prove that the reason he is taking the medications are service connected, he will be able to get that medication for free or for a small fee of, I believe, $7. Also my husband is with the VA and gets some of his medication for $9 that is not for his service connected disability. It is definitely worth looking into and see what he is able to get. Have him check with his local VA representative to see all that he may be eligible for.

If you friend is 50-100% service connected he does not have to pay a dime. What is happening is the VA is very bussy now with all the new veterans from the Golf War, Afganistan and now Iraq. If the patient has insurance they will collect only what the insurance pays the VA. You friend need to bring his form 214, and also W2 form to Release of information and find out why he has to pay so much money. Good Luck and God Bless!