Copayment charges
limited to 1 per day

Answer: Generally you will be charged only one copayment on a single day, regardless of the number of health care providers you see in a single day. The amount of the outpatient copayment will be based on the highest level of service you received that day. For example, if you have a specialty care visit and a primary care visit on the same day, you will be charged only for the specialty care visit since it is a higher level of care. The number of medication copayments, charged as a result of your outpatient visit depends on the number of each 30-day supply of medication filled. Inpatient copayments are based on both a standard charge for each 90 days of care within a 365-day period as well as a daily charge. Together, the inpatient copay charges cover all services including medications.

Q: I am currently on active duty. I would like to purchase a home. Am I eligible for a VA home loan?

A: Persons on active duty are eligible after serving on continuous active duty for 90 days. Be sure to get a statement of service from your commanding officer in lieu of a DD Form 214 (discharge paper). If your separation occurs within 12 months of the anticipated closing dates of your real estate transaction, documentation verifying your intention to re-enlist or extend your active duty beyond 12 months is required. You must also have a statement from your commanding officer confirming this. Members of the Selected Reserve are eligible if they have completed at least six years of service in the Reserves or National Guard or were discharged because of a service-connected disability.

The maximum loan amounts are 50 percent higher for first mortgages in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since this higher amount also applies to VA loans, eligible veterans, including active duty personnel, in these areas can purchase a single-family home with no-down payment, for up to $539,475 using the VA guaranty. For information on home loan eligibility, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Information on VA home loans can also be found on the VA's Website www.homeloans.va.gov.