Glossary
VA Priority Groups
The 1–8 tier system VA uses to enroll veterans in healthcare — lower numbers get higher priority and generally lower copays.
Also known as: Priority Group, VA enrollment priority
Quick answer
When you enroll in VA Healthcare, you are assigned to one of eight Priority Groups (1 being highest priority, 8 lowest). Placement is based on factors like service-connected disability rating, POW or Purple Heart status, Medal of Honor status, financial need, and enrollment date. Your Priority Group determines copays for outpatient, inpatient, and pharmacy care.
Why it matters
Your Priority Group determines what you pay at the VA and, in some past periods, whether new enrollees were accepted at all. Many retirees in Priority Group 7 or 8 pay more for VA pharmacy than they realize.
Why this matters at age 65
Medicare and TFL do not change your VA Priority Group. But understanding your group helps you decide whether to fill prescriptions at the VA, a TRICARE pharmacy via Express Scripts, or under an MA plan's pharmacy benefit.
When you'll encounter it
On enrollment in VA Healthcare and any time your service-connected rating or income changes.
Impact on Medicare
None — Medicare does not interact with VA Priority Group assignment.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
None — TFL eligibility is independent of VA Priority Group.
VA Healthcare considerations
Priority Group can change over time (e.g., service-connected rating increases). Veterans should periodically verify their group with their VA medical center.
Common misconceptions
- "Everyone with VA Healthcare is treated the same." — Priority Groups produce different copay tiers and historically have controlled enrollment access.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not requesting a Priority Group review after a disability rating increase.
- Assuming all VA pharmacy fills are free — many Priority Group 7/8 veterans owe per-fill copays.
What should I do?
- 1Confirm your current Priority Group on VA.gov or with your enrollment coordinator.
- 2Request a review after any service-connected rating change.
- 3Compare your VA pharmacy copays to TRICARE Home Delivery and (if enrolled) MA plan pharmacy for chronic medications.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- CHAMPVAA VA health benefit for certain spouses, children, and survivors of permanently and totally disabled or deceased veterans — separate from TRICARE and TFL.
- Emergency Care Outside the VAVA may reimburse emergency care at a non-VA facility under specific eligibility, timing, and notification rules — but coverage is never automatic.
- Foreign Medical Program (FMP)A VA program that reimburses veterans living or traveling abroad for medical care related to service-connected conditions.
- Non-VA CareAny care delivered outside a VA facility — whether through VA Community Care, Medicare + TFL, or an MA plan.
- VA BenefitsThe full set of benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs — healthcare (VHA), disability compensation and pensions (VBA), and burial/memorial benefits (NCA).
- VA Community CareA VA program that pays approved non-VA providers to deliver care when VA cannot — under specific eligibility and pre-authorization rules.
- Should I use the VA pharmacy or TRICARE Pharmacy?You can use both. VA fills prescriptions written by VA providers; TRICARE Pharmacy fills prescriptions written by any provider. Use whichever is cheaper and more convenient for each medication.
- How do I enroll in VA healthcare?Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply, in person at a VA medical center, by phone (1-877-222-8387), or by mailing VA Form 10-10EZ. Bring your DD-214.
- What are VA priority groups and which one am I in?Groups 1–8, ranked by service-connected disability rating, income, and special status. Group 1 (50%+ SC disability) has the best access and lowest costs; Group 8 has the most restrictions.
- Do I have to pay VA copays?Depends on your priority group and service. Veterans rated 50%+ SC pay none. Lower-rating and non-SC veterans may pay copays for non-SC care.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.