The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking new community care contracts aimed at improving health care options and quality for veterans over the next ten years.
The VA’s community care program allows veterans to receive medical services from non-VA providers, with the department covering the costs. This approach to veteran care dates back to World War II. In 2018, the bipartisan MISSION Act was signed into law by President Trump, guaranteeing this right to veterans. Currently, about 40% of all VA-provided care occurs through community care.
Existing contracts with third-party administrators that manage the community care program are set to expire in 2026, prompting the need for a new contracting process. The RFP released today is designed to secure new agreements that will shape how community care is delivered in coming years.
The VA outlined several goals for these upcoming contracts:
- The adoption of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract model will open competition among multiple national and regional health plans, giving veterans more options tailored to their needs.
- Health plans selected under these contracts must follow industry-wide standards of care used by other major healthcare systems, aiming to improve outcomes for veterans.
- The new agreements will give VA enhanced oversight capabilities through improved data, technology, and management systems.
- Flexibility within the IDIQ structure enables VA to adjust contractors and requirements as needed. Contractors not meeting expectations can be replaced without disrupting services or operations.
“VA has learned a lot about community care over the years, and we are putting that knowledge to use to help Veterans with the next generation of community care contracts,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This RFP will result in contracts that dramatically improve our ability to provide quality health care while ensuring Veterans can choose the care that’s best for them.”
