Which priority groups must make a co-payment to receive healthcare from a VA medical facility?

The correct answer indicates that priority groups 7 and 8 are required to make a co-payment to access healthcare from a VA medical facility.

Priority Group 7 encompasses veterans who are eligible for VA care but whose income exceeds a certain threshold, specifically those who might not be classified as low-income. This means that while they have access to VA healthcare, they are categorized in such a way that they do not qualify for full coverage without cost-sharing. These veterans generally include those who are enrolled based on their high income and not due to service-related disabilities.

Priority Group 8 includes veterans who are not currently receiving compensation for service-related conditions and whose income exceeds specific limits. Similar to Group 7, these veterans also face co-payments because their income levels classify them in a situation where it is determined that they can contribute towards their medical care costs.

This financial structure is part of the VA’s overarching strategy to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that veterans with greater medical and financial needs receive priority access to care without charges, while those with more substantial incomes contribute through co-payments. The other groups mentioned in the question either qualify for no co-payment or have different criteria for financial outlays related to their care.