Which program is specifically designed to assist Veterans with healthcare costs?

CHAMPVA, or the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is specifically designed to assist Veterans and certain eligible dependents with healthcare costs. This program provides health care benefits to veterans who are not eligible for TRICARE and do not have any other health insurance. CHAMPVA covers a range of healthcare services, including hospitalization, outpatient care, and prescription medications, which helps alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses for Veterans.

In contrast, Medicaid and Medicare are federal health insurance programs that serve different populations. Medicaid is aimed at low-income individuals, including some veterans, while Medicare primarily serves people aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. TRICARE, on the other hand, is a health care program for active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their dependents, and it is not exclusively for Veterans. Each of these programs has specific eligibility requirements and coverage options, but CHAMPVA is tailored specifically to meet the needs of Veterans not covered by other programs.