The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced changes aimed at simplifying the process for VA-enrolled veterans to access healthcare from non-VA providers. These adjustments, effective immediately, remove an additional review step previously required for veterans seeking community care under the MISSION Act.
Since 2019, the MISSION Act has allowed eligible veterans to receive healthcare from non-VA providers when it is in their best medical interest. This decision was made collaboratively by veterans and their referring clinicians but needed confirmation from a second VA doctor. The new change eliminates this requirement, enabling faster access to community care.
“Under President Trump, VA is providing Veterans with more health care choices than ever before,” stated VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Now, we’re making it even easier for Veterans to get their health care when and where it's most convenient for them. We are putting Veterans first at the department, and that means placing a premium on customer service and convenience. This important change will help us do just that.”
The MISSION Act offers veterans the option of seeking community care outside the VA under certain conditions: if it serves their best medical interest; if required care is unavailable at a VA facility; if they reside in areas without full-service VA facilities; if wait time or distance standards are unmet; or if service quality standards fall short. Additionally, provisions exist for those meeting grandfathered criteria from the former Veterans Choice Program.
To support this streamlined process, training will be provided to Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure compliance with the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
