The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains its own national formulary for veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. The VA formulary is managed by the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) program and its National Formulary Committee. VA negotiates drug prices directly with manufacturers, resulting in some of the lowest prescription costs in the country.

Key Facts

VA medication copays are tiered per 30-day supply: $0 (Tier 0), $5 (Tier 1 preferred generic), $8 (Tier 2 non-preferred generic), $11 (Tier 3 brand-name), effective January 1, 2026, with a $700 annual copay cap
The VA national formulary covers thousands of medications across all therapeutic classes
VA negotiates prices below the Federal Supply Schedule, often 40% to 60% below retail
Non-formulary drugs require a Non-Formulary Request from the prescribing VA provider
VA Mail Order Pharmacy (CMOP) ships medications directly to veterans at no additional cost
Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive all medications at $0 copay

Open Enrollment Reminder

ACA marketplace enrollment runs November 1 to January 15. Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15 to December 7. Compare formularies for your medications before choosing a plan.

Can't Afford Your Medication?
Find Patient Assistance Programs
Search manufacturer PAPs and nonprofit programs on OmniRx
Compare Cash Prices
Find the Lowest Pharmacy Price
Compare prices at pharmacies near you on RxGrab

Check Your Specific Plan's Formulary

Coverage varies by plan. Use our formulary checker tool to look up your exact copay and restrictions.

Open Formulary Checker

Sources and standards behind this page

Drug coverage in the United States is governed by published rules rather than by any one insurer's summary, and the sources below are the primary ones. They are linked so a reader can check a claim without taking this page's word for it.

This page describes how coverage and formularies work. It is not medical advice, and a reader's own plan documents and prescriber decide what applies to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the VA formulary?

The VA national formulary is available on the VA PBM website (pbm.va.gov). You can search by drug name to see if it is on formulary. Your local VA medical center may also have facility-specific formulary additions. Ask your VA pharmacist or provider for help checking coverage.

Do veterans pay for prescriptions at the VA?

Many veterans pay $0 for prescriptions. Veterans with service-connected disabilities, those below income thresholds, former POWs, and Purple Heart recipients receive free medications. Other veterans pay a tiered copay per 30-day supply: $5 preferred generic, $8 non-preferred generic, $11 brand-name, capped at $700 per calendar year.

Can I use the VA and Medicare Part D together?

Yes, you can have both VA and Part D coverage, but they do not coordinate. VA fills prescriptions at VA pharmacies with VA pricing, while Part D covers drugs at retail pharmacies. You cannot use Part D at VA pharmacies. Having both gives you more pharmacy options but requires managing two systems.

Related Resources

Get Formulary and Coverage Updates

Subscribe to receive alerts on formulary changes, new drug approvals, and insurance coverage updates.