Your mental health is a priority for both you and us. Under Section 193A of the Cleland-Dole Act, accessing care has become more affordable by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services.
If you have copays for VA outpatient mental health and SUD appointments, this benefit will enhance your access to care by canceling and refunding the first three copays you incur each calendar year between June 27, 2023, and December 29, 2027.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be enrolled in VA health care and have copayments due for VA outpatient mental health and SUD appointments.
- The visits must be with a qualified outpatient mental health provider either at a VA facility or through VA’s Community Care Network (CCN).
- The visits must take place within each calendar year between June 27, 2023, and December 29, 2027 (the duration of the benefit).
What You Need to Do:
- Simply attend your appointments, and we will handle the rest.
- We will review any copays received on or after June 27, 2023, and issue a cancellation or refund via direct deposit or check for any eligible payments made to the VA.
What’s Covered:
- This copay exemption applies to the first three outpatient mental health and SUD visits each calendar year from June 27, 2023, to December 29, 2027. Please note that you will still be responsible for copays related to medication and other types of care.
Questions?
- If you have any questions, please call the number on your patient statement; our team is available to assist you. If you’re having trouble with your copays, you can request a payment plan or a waiver.
For more information about outpatient mental health copay exemptions, visit.
