Copay Fairness for Veterans Act

Summary

Makes preventive health services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs free of copayments by expanding the VA’s copay exemption and broadening the statutory definition of preventive services. It specifically adds preventive medications, USPSTF “A” and “B” services, ACIP-recommended immunizations, specified women’s preventive services, and all FDA-approved contraceptives and related care to the list of services exempt from VA copays. The changes amend Title 38 U.S.C. to remove veteran liability for copays for covered preventive services and update the definition of preventive health services; the text does not include new funding amounts or an explicit effective date.

• Removes copayments for preventive health services provided through the VA by expanding statutory copay exemptions.
• Adds preventive medications to the category of VA services that veterans do not pay copays for.
• Expands the statutory definition of preventive health services to include USPSTF A/B services and ACIP-recommended immunizations.
• Specifies that all FDA-approved contraceptives and related preventive care for women are included, referencing HRSA preventive services guidelines as of Dec 30, 2022.
• Directs statutory changes to Title 38 benefits rules without creating new spending authorizations or explicit deadlines.
• Applies to veterans receiving care from VA facilities and through VA-covered services, reducing out-of-pocket costs for preventive care.
• Does not create a new program or appropriate funds; implementation relies on existing VA authorities and administrative actions.
• Likely reduces financial barriers to preventive care, which may increase uptake of screenings, immunizations, and contraceptive care among veterans.