VA makes it easier for Veterans to use community care

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the implementation of a policy that will make it easier for all VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at department expense.

Since 2019, the MISSION Act has allowed millions of Veterans to access community care outside the VA system when it is in their best medical interest. These decisions have been made jointly by Veterans and their referring clinicians but were not considered final until they were reviewed by another physician. This extra layer of review created an additional obstacle for Veterans seeking quick access to the care they’ve earned.

Effective immediately, VA will implement language in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act such that the determination of eligibility under Best Medical Interest is final and shall be made by the Veteran and the Veteran’s referring clinician, which will help thousands of Veterans gain faster access to Community Care.

For more information, please visit the VA News Press Room