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 copays are $5 for a 30-day supply for most veterans (Tier 1 to 3 priority groups may pay $0)
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

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

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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 flat $5 copay per 30-day supply for each outpatient medication, with an annual copay cap.

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

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