Veterans can get 'whole health' services without paying a copay
What happened
The Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer charge veterans a copayment for "Whole Health" services. This means veterans can access programs like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture without an extra fee.
Why it matters
The VA has been pushing a "Whole Health" approach for years, but copays for these services created a barrier for veterans. Removing the copay means the VA is putting its money where its mouth is, making these alternative treatments truly accessible. It also signals a deeper integration of these services into standard care, rather than treating them as optional add-ons.
The signal
Watch for an increase in veteran participation rates in these "Whole Health" programs over the next 12-24 months, especially among those who previously avoided them due to cost.