The Department of Veterans Affairs has just announced that they will now be pausing all collections on benefit and medical copays through Sept. 30, 2021.
The announcement comes after the VA sent out letters at the end of last year telling vets they were going to be receiving bills in January 2021 for deferred payments.
After the letter was sent out, the VA was pressured by several lawmakers to extend the pause on debt collections.
“My top priority right now is to do everything in our power to help our veterans, caregivers and their families get through this challenging COVID-19 pandemic,” stated VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VA will continue to find ways to provide real relief to 2 million veterans and their families as we fight through this health crisis together.”
Veterans facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic will soon see extended debt relief options from VA. By extending debt relief through Sept. 30, VA reaffirms its commitment to helping Veterans getting through these hard times.
VA will continue suspension of collection on all Veteran benefit overpayments and medical copayment debts incurred after April 1, 2020.
VA is suspending this debt collection to provide Veterans continued financial relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
VAntage Point
In their announcement the VA said they will be informing veterans of how much debt they currently have, and letting them know about their relief options.
Should veterans desire, they will have the option to delay all payments until September.
If veterans have any questions about overpayments, they are being advised to check out their frequently asked questions, submit questions online or call 800-827-0648
For health care copayment debts, veterans can call the Health Resource Center at 866-400-1238 about payments.
I think this is a nice gesture on the part of the VA, however, the amount owed just adds up until a very large bill comes after September 30th and the collections begin. Personally I see this as creating a worse situation. The Congress needs to forgive the debts that they have allowed to accumulate. If politicians can be granted free health care for doing nothing, then veterans that sacrificed everything should be given the same.
This is nice but I hope they don’t withhold the billing like they did last time. I would rather get billed for 50 in one month than receive a bill for 200 in four months.
Thanks for the co payment relief but if we were given enough money on our checks would help a lot. We go to war get injured can’t work and have to live below the poverty level and not our fault. Us veterans need to be taken care of better.
I join Dennis in his comment above. I want to emphasize that this payment help (collection delay) is not a forgiven for the amount owed by vets. We may come worst at the end when we have to find money to pay all the debt that accrued during this “forgiveness” period..
Sounds like the old repubican guard, whitch most never served in the Millatary or seen compat are trying to lessen spending on veterans back. Investing in PEOPLE shound never be an excuse to conserve money loosen the puirse strings.
Thank you so much. I always have such a hard time paying the insurance premiums and I really appreciate this. Thank you, thank you.
great news thank u very much appreciate it Bill pazienza
If the government was greatful for veteran’s then why have bills for vets at all?…
A combat vet is a combat vet….period…
How do I get some financial relief from from land lord ?