Zero Copay, Full Support: VA Makes Mental Health More Accessible
Starting June 27, 2023, the VA introduced a welcome change: eligible veterans no longer pay copays for the first three outpatient mental health or substance use disorder visits each calendar year — a benefit scheduled to remain in place through December 29, 2027.
What Changed and Who Qualifies …
- Applies to VA facilities and community-care providers for mental health/SUD visits.
- The first three sessions annually are free — no forms, no hoops.
- Having paid copays for these visits since June 27, 2023? You’ll be automatically reimbursed — no action needed.
No small change: this removes a significant financial barrier for veterans managing chronic mental health conditions.
Why This Matters for Disabled Veterans
Many disabled veterans are in priority Groups 7 or 8, meaning every visit can come with a $30 copay. You’re often paying hundreds of dollars a year — just for checking on your mental health. By eliminating copays for the first three visits each year:
- You can seek help sooner, without worrying about costs.
- Frequent therapy becomes more sustainable, fewer skipped appointments.
- The VA recognizes mental health as just as essential as physical health.
As the VA puts it …
“We want every Veteran, regardless of their financial status, to have access to the mental health care they deserve.”
Better Access — And It’s Having an Impact
Since implementation, the VA has reported:
- Mental health wait times are now shorter than primary care (about 17 days for first-time visits).
- Automatic refunds have been issued for thousands of veterans — a win with no action needed on their part.
- Veteran trust in VA care is at record highs — currently at 91.8%.
What You Need to Know …
- Schedule your mental health or SUD appointment — VA or Community Care.
- No copay for visits #1 to #3 per calendar year.
- If you already paid copays since June 27, 2023, you will receive a refund — no forms needed.
- Medication, inpatient stays, and physical-visit copays still apply. This benefit is specific to outpatient mental health/SUD visits.
Why This Matters Now …
This isn’t just a cost-saving measure — it’s a lifeline. Removing even one barrier can make the difference between silence and seeking help.
Particularly for disabled veterans, who often manage PTSD, chronic pain, TBI, or toxic exposure effects, consistent mental-health care can stabilize lives — only if they can afford it.
Final Thoughts …
Zero copays for the first three visits mean VA is backing mental health with more than words — it’s backing it with action and resources. But this comes with a deadline: December 29, 2027.
So if you’ve been avoiding care due to cost — or know a vet who is — this benefit is exactly the reason to reach out now.
Extra Help and Resources:
- In crisis? Dial 988, then press 1, or VeteransCrisisLine.net is live 24/7.
- Learn about this benefit — and your refund — via VA Mental Health Copay Exemptions.
- Need scheduling help? Call your local VA or reach out to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
What about the people who were qualified for so called full services at VHA, only to find some asshole rendering those services or denying care outright? Have they called them back? Nope… because they sweep shit under the rug and use government attorneys to beat off serious and effective inquiry. Also “immunity” defenses against lawlessness and Incompetence. Our political system is broken when it won’t provide justice and positive change.
AHH HAHA AHH… tell them about “mental health problems in the family” and “childhood adverse events” so they can diagnose you with personality disorder and deny healthcare and benefits. No end to their gamesmanship in there all while they accuse everyone else of it.