New timeframe to submit claims for DVA-funded health services
DVA is changing the timeframe for submitting claims for payment of DVA-funded health services.
What is changing?
From 1 July 2027, the timeframe for submitting a claim will reduce from 2 years to 1 year from the date the service was provided.
The change will have minimal impact on providers, as the vast majority of claims are already submitted within one year.
Why is this changing?
The change will align DVA’s timeframes with Medicare bulk billing arrangements, delivering greater consistency for providers across both schemes and improving the integrity of the system as older claims can be difficult to verify.
What do providers need to do?
Providers should make sure their claiming, reconciliation and audit practices allow claims to be submitted within 1 year from date of service.
Providers with outstanding claims for services delivered before 1 July 2026 should submit these as soon as possible and before 1 July 2027. After 1 July 2027, any claims older than 1 year will be subject to the existing late lodgement process.
Why is this happening now?
On 5 September 2025, the timeframe to submit claims for bulk billed Medicare services reduced from 2 years to 1 year. On 17 December 2025, as part of the Mid‑Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Australian Government announced the Strengthening Program Integrity and Veterans’ Advocacy measure. This measure includes a priority initiative to align the timeframe for DVA-funded services with the bulk billing timeframe.
What does this mean for veterans?
There will be no change to how veterans and families of veterans access DVA-funded health services from their usual medical, dental and allied health providers.
What happens next?
DVA will provide further information and reminders to providers ahead of implementation. We are communicating this change early so providers have time to prepare and make any necessary changes to their business and claiming processes.