VA Ditches Copay Waiver Plan After Massive Debt Forgiveness
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The VA is canceling a plan to change how veterans can get copayment fees waived because it’s no longer needed. Veterans who owed copayments from past medical care are already getting over $272 million in debt relief. This update means no new rules or forms will be required, and the change takes effect immediately as of May 8, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Veterans Receive $272M Copayment Relief
On November 20, 2025, the VA announced it would relieve veterans of more than $272 million in potential medical bills that accrued when certain copayment claims processing and collections stopped in early 2023. The VA cites that $272 million relief as the reason the proposed waiver regulation is no longer necessary.
Withdrawal of Copayment Waiver Rule
The VA is withdrawing its December 17, 2024 proposed rule that would have allowed VA to initiate waiver requests for health care copayment debt and would have removed the requirement that veterans submit VA Form 5655. The withdrawal is effective May 8, 2026, so the proposed regulatory change will not take effect and no new rule from that proposal will be implemented.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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