Combat vets qualify for refunds

Many veterans are eligible for a retroactive refund of co-payments they made for medical services and prescriptions associated with treatments related to their combat experience. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently reviewing medical records to determine which veterans are eligible for the refunds.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-108) has extended the period of enhanced enrollment eligibility and cost-free care for conditions that may be related to combat operations.

The law allows any combat veteran, discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, to be eligible for Priority Group 6 enrollment up to five years after they leave the service. Combat veterans discharged before that date – who did not previously enroll in the VA health-care system – are also eligible for Priority Group 6 enrollment through Jan. 27, 2011.

VHA plans on mailing letters in November to veterans affected by the extended eligibility period, informing them they will receive refunds by the end of December.

Combat veterans are encouraged to call VA’s Health Resources Center toll-free with any questions at (800) 983-0932.