FEDERAL AGENCY:

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

Public Laws 91-500, 93-82, 94-581, and 101-508; 38 U.S.C. 612.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide eligible veterans and certain dependents and survivors of veterans with prescription drugs and expendable medical supplies from VA pharmacies upon presentation of prescription(s) from a VA provider or VA authorized provider.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Sale, Exchange, or Donation of Property and Goods. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Veterans receiving Veterans Outpatient Care (64.011) can receive prescription drugs and expendable medical supplies prescribed by a VA provider or VA authorized provider. These prescriptions will be dispensed by VA Pharmacies either directly to veterans or mailed upon request. In territories where there are no VA pharmacies, payment for prescribed drugs is provided for certain eligible veterans on a reimbursable basis. Contact the Health Administration Center, Denver, CO, at 1-800-733-8387 for information. Widows and dependent children may be eligible for reimbursement for medications through the ChampVA program. Contact the Health Administration Center, Denver, Co for information. Use Restrictions: Limited to drugs prescribed by VA physicians, dentists, podiatrists or other VA provider or authorized VA provider based on the VA National Formulary System. Veterans receiving medications on an outpatient basis from VA facilities, for the treatment of a nonservice-connected disability or condition, are required to make a co-payment of $2.00 for each 30-day or less supply of medication. Veterans receiving medications for the treatment of a service-connected condition and veterans rated 50 percent or more service-connected are exempt from the co- payment requirement for medications. Prescriptions are not filled for alcoholic beverages or dietary supplements used for weight control. Nonservice-connected Veterans living abroad are ineligible for program benefits. However, service-connected veterans may be eligible for reimbursement for medications. Contact the Health Administration Center, Denver, CO, at 1-800-733-8387 for information.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Veterans receiving outpatient care (see Veterans Outpatient Care 64.011); service connected veterans and World War I veterans if they are authorized non-VA care (Fee Basis) are eligible for prescriptions. Also, veterans in receipt of aid and attendance or housebound benefits are eligible for prescriptions. Veterans whose pension payments have been discontinued because their annual income exceeds the applicable maximum limitations may continue to be eligible for prescription drugs and expendable medical supplies until their income exceeds the maximum limitation by more than $1,000.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Veterans receiving outpatient care (see Veterans Outpatient Care 64.011); service connected veterans and World War I veterans if they are authorized non-VA care (Fee Basis) are eligible for prescriptions. Also, veterans in receipt of aid and attendance or housebound benefits are eligible for prescriptions. Veterans whose pension payments have been discontinued because their annual income exceeds the applicable maximum limitations may continue to be eligible for prescription drugs and expendable medical supplies until their income exceeds the maximum limitation by more than $1,000.

Credentials/Documentation:   Eligible veterans must furnish prescriptions(s) from a VA physician, dentist, podiatrist, or VA authorized provider. Only veteran patients in receipt of aid and attendance or housebound benefits may furnish prescriptions from any licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist.

Pre-application Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Veterans should follow the application process for Veterans Outpatient Care (64.011). Once veterans are accepted for outpatient care the eligibility information is shared with the pharmacy computer system, veterans may then present prescriptions to a VA Pharmacy.

Award Procedure:   Not applicable.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   None.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   None.

Audits:   None.

Records:   None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   36-0160-0-1-703.

Obligations:   (Program Costs Excluding Salaries) FY 01 $1,825,261,000; FY 02 est $1,898,271,000; and FY 03 est $l,898,271,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

Data unavailable.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

VA Pamphlet 80-99-1, 38 CFR 17.60; "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents", $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Initial contact should be made with the nearest Veterans Hospital Facility listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog under Veterans Health Administration.

Headquarters Office:   Chief Consultant, Pharmacy Benefits Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273-8429.

Web Site Address:  
http://www.va.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

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