VA Updates Tier 1 Drug Copays for Veterans in 2026
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the VA is updating its list of Tier 1 medications, which means veterans will see changes in their pharmacy copayments for certain common drugs like aspirin, cholesterol meds, and diabetes treatments. These updates help keep copayments fair and clear for veterans using VA outpatient pharmacy services throughout the year. If you’re a veteran, check the VA website to see which meds are on the new list and plan your healthcare budget accordingly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
VA Tier 1 Drug List Updated 2026
If you are a veteran who uses VA outpatient pharmacy services, the VA updated its Tier 1 medication list effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. That means you may see changes in your pharmacy copayments for common drugs listed on the Tier 1 list, including examples such as aspirin, cholesterol medicines (for example, atorvastatin and simvastatin), and diabetes treatments (for example, metformin).
Copayments Calculated Per 30-Day Supply
If you get outpatient medications from the VA, copayments are established under 38 CFR 17.110 using the methodology for each 30-day (or less) supply of medication. This rule governs how the VA sets the copayment amount per 30-day supply for medications provided on an outpatient basis.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-21242 — Extending Deadline for Debtor To Request a Waiver
The VA is giving veterans more time—up to one year instead of 180 days—to ask for a waiver on debts related to benefits. This change, effective January 26, 2026, helps reduce stress by giving veterans extra breathing room to handle their debt issues. It doesn’t cost veterans extra money but makes the process friendlier and fairer.
2025-18827 — Extension of Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Eligibility for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants
The VA is giving family caregivers of veterans more time to stay in their special support program by extending the deadline from 2025 to 2028. This means caregivers and veterans who joined the program earlier (the legacy group) can keep getting help for three more years. No changes to money or benefits, just extra time to enjoy the support they deserve!
2025-14687 — Reproductive Health Services
The VA is planning to stop covering abortions and abortion counseling again, reversing a 2022 change. This affects veterans and their families who use VA and CHAMPVA health benefits. The change aims to focus VA services on what they consider essential care, with no new costs or timing details shared yet.
2026-09542 — Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP)
The VA is renewing its paperwork for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which helps fund community groups working to stop Veteran suicides. If you’re involved in these grants, you’ll keep filling out forms like applications and surveys to show how the money’s used. Comments on this paperwork are open until June 12, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09511 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Request for Payment of Bowel and Bladder Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs wants your thoughts on updating a form that helps vets get paid for bowel and bladder care services. This update aims to make the form clearer and easier to use, with no new costs for vets. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your feedback and help improve the process!
2026-09144 — Updates to Waiver of Charges for Copayments
The VA is canceling a plan to change how veterans can get copayment fees waived because they already wiped out over $272 million in old medical bills. This means veterans won’t need to fill out extra forms or wait for new rules to get relief. The withdrawal takes effect May 8, 2026, so veterans can breathe easy knowing the VA has their back without new paperwork or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07879 — Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
The government is removing several safety and helicopter landing kits from the special list that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This change takes effect on May 24, 2026, and means these products won’t be bought through that program anymore. The update won’t cause extra costs or paperwork and might open doors for other small businesses to supply these items.
Next: 2026-07882 — Title: Cancellation of Shipping Coordination Committee Public Meeting in Preparation for International Maritime Organization MEPC84 Session
The Shipping Coordination Committee’s public meeting set for April 15, 2026, got canceled because of funding issues affecting the Coast Guard and Homeland Security. Anyone who signed up was told by email, so no one’s left in the dark. This pause won’t cost money but delays prep for the big International Maritime Organization MEPC84 session.