Starting Oct. 1, 2025, VA will update its billing practices for Whole Health well-being services to ensure consistency with federal law. Veterans in Priority Groups 6, 7 and 8, who are already responsible for outpatient copayments, will now pay a $15 copayment for Whole Health well-being services billed under Stop Code 139.
This change applies only to Veterans who are already subject to outpatient copayments. Veterans exempt from copayments—such as those with service-connected conditions rated 50% or higher, those receiving care for a service-connected condition, or those meeting other statutory exemptions—will not be affected.
What is changing?
- Whole Health well-being services, including guided imagery, meditation, yoga for well-being, tai chi/qigong and health coaching, will carry a $15 copayment.
- The change is being applied uniformly across VA facilities to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
What is not changing?
- Whole Health services are not being reduced or eliminated.
- Veterans exempt from copayments remain exempt.
- Complementary and Integrative Health treatments, such as acupuncture and clinical hypnosis, continue under existing billing practices.
Why is VA making this change?
Since 2017, Whole Health well-being services have been set as non-billable. A proposed regulation to exempt them was published in January 2025 but later withdrawn. VA is now updating its billing practices to align with statutory requirements.
Where can I get more information?
Veterans with questions or concerns should contact their local VA Medical Center’s Patient Advocate or a finance representative who can explain how the change applies and review eligibility for copayment exemptions.
Author: Nikki Verbeck