Answer: Yes, if you are currently drawing VA benefits, it is possible that your debt may be offset from your next benefit check.
If a veteran fails to make a copayment that he or she agreed to pay at the time of treatment, the VA can refuse to treat the veteran until the copay has been paid in full. Also, the VA may collect the debt from any compensation or pension benefits that may be due to the veteran. Additionally, the VA may disclose all information determined to be necessary, including the name, address, VA file number, Social Security number, and date of birth, to consumer reporting agencies for the purpose of: locating an individual indebted to the United States, and obtaining a consumer report of income to assess an individual’s ability to repay a debt.
Veterans who are not eligible for a particular VA health care service cost-free will have to pay a copay to receive that service, regardless of whether they are covered by outside health insurance. If a veteran has private health insurance, the VA will not bill the veteran until the veteran’s health plan: (1) pays the amount that does not fully satisfy the veteran’s VA copay debt, (2) denies payment, or (3) fails to respond within an appropriate period, which would make the veteran responsible for the entire VA copay for care or services received.