Expanded Access to Non-VA Care Through the Veterans Choice Program. Interim final rule

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Veterans Affairs
• Medical Regulation

Background:

• The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 established the Veterans Choice Program.
• The program allows eligible veterans to receive care from non-VA providers.
• Eligibility is based on wait times or geographic location relative to VA facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulations.
• To implement recent amendments to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (Choice Act).
• To align VA regulations with legislative changes impacting the Veterans Choice Program.

Main Methods:

• Regulatory revision based on legislative amendments.
• Incorporation of the Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act of 2014.
• Integration of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015.

Main Results:

• Revised criteria for determining "unusual or excessive burden" for veteran travel.
• Expansion of program eligibility to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system.
• Modification of episode of care limits, wait-time, distance criteria, and provider eligibility.

Conclusions:

• The VA has updated its regulations to reflect significant changes in the Choice Act.
• These revisions aim to enhance healthcare access and services for eligible veterans.
• The updated regulations ensure broader coverage and more flexible care options for veterans.