Veterans Community Care Program
What is the Veterans Community Care program?
Replacing the Veterans’ Choice Program, the Veterans Community Care program allows eligible veterans toget medical aid through in-network providers that are not a part of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). This program was created under the .
Who is eligible for the Veterans’ Community Care program?
A referral to the Veterans Community Care (VCC) program can only be provided by the VAMC. The VAMC will decide if the person is eligible by looking at the following:
1
It is in the best interest of the veteran to seek assistance in the VCC Network (VCCN),
2
The veteran does not live near a VAMC,
3
The veteran does not live near a VAMC,
4
The veteran cannot receive care within a reasonable period of time (standard appointment times are within 20-28 days) or within a reasonable drive time (primary care – 30 minutes, specialists – 60 minutes),
5
After a VA evaluation, it is found that the veteran is not receiving the best care possible at the VAMC.
Do I get to select my doctor in the Veterans Community Care Network?
If the veteran has been approved to see a doctor in the VCCN, the TriWest Healthcare Alliance will review the veteran’s medical records and select a doctor’s office that best fits their needs.
VA Health Clinics
Are urgent care visits covered by my military benefits?
Under the VCC, veterans can visit urgent care or walk-in clinics without prior approval when:
- They are eligible for urgent care benefits,
- The doctor is a part of the VCCN, and
- The non-emergency medical care is an approved service under VCC.
- Examples: minor injuries, skin rashes, cold/flu symptoms, painful urination, ear infection, broken bone that requires a cast or splint.
If there are follow up services needed after an urgent care visit, those services must take place at the VAMC, unless approved by the VA.
Can I see a dentist using the Veterans Community Care Network?
No. The Veterans’ Community Care program only covers the following medical services:
- Primary care
- Inpatient specialist
- Outpatient specialist
- Behavioral health
- Newborn care for female veterans (limited services)
The following are not covered services:
- Dental
- Chronic dialysis treatments
- Home health aides
- Nursing home care
- Long-term acute care hospitals (LTAC)
- Pension and compensation exams
What can I do if I lost my Veteran Health Identification Card?
If your VHIC card was lost or stolen, you can either:
- Visit the closest VA medical facility and request a new one, or
- Call 1-877-222-8387
Am I able to go to a non-VA pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions?
Unless the VA is unable to fill the prescription right away, the veteran will still need to pick up their medication at a VA pharmacy.
If the VA is unable to fill a prescription within 14 days, the veteran may request that they have the prescription filled at a non-VA pharmacy for those 14 days. The veteran would have to pay the out-of-pocket cost and submit for a reimbursement with the VA. To be reimbursed the veteran will have to provide a copy of the prescription and receipt of purchase.
Can I be grandfathered into the Veterans’ Choice Program?
To be grandfathered into the Veterans’ Choice Program, the veteran must meet the following requirements:
- Prior to June 6, 2018, the veteran lived at least 40 miles away from a VAMC or VA clinic,
- The veteran still lives at this home, and
- The veteran lives in one of these states – Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming.
Approval would have to be granted by the VA prior to seeing a private care provider.