New MISSION Act guidance broadens the definition of "excessive distance" for community care eligibility, opening access for an estimated 340,000 additional veterans in rural and highly rural areas.
What changed
Effective June 1, the VA is reducing the drive-time standard for community care eligibility from 60 minutes to 45 minutes for primary care, and from 120 minutes to 90 minutes for specialty care. Veterans who qualify can receive care from private providers in their community, billed directly to the VA.
How to apply
Veterans who believe they may now qualify should contact their VA primary care team or call the VA Community Care line at 866-606-8198. Eligibility is also available through the Benefits Checker tool, which can cross-reference your VA enrollment status and zip code against the new standards.
