Short answer: CHAMPVA is a VA health program for the spouse or dependent child (or survivor) of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died from one, as long as they are not eligible for TRICARE.
At least one of these must be true: the person is the spouse or dependent child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled (a 100% rating not expected to improve) from a service-connected disability; or the surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability or was so rated at death. The person must also not be eligible for TRICARE. Certain survivors of a service member who died in the line of duty may qualify, and some primary family caregivers qualify through the VA caregiver program.
Points that matter:
- Medicare: anyone eligible for Medicare must have Part A and Part B to get or keep CHAMPVA; a Medicare Advantage plan also meets this requirement.
- Children: coverage generally ends at 18, or continues to 23 while in school, or longer for a child disabled before 18; marriage ends it.
- Remarriage: a surviving spouse who remarries at 55 or older keeps CHAMPVA; remarriage before 55 ends it.
- Other insurance must be reported to CHAMPVA; it is a cost-sharing program, not free care.