VA Community Care is Available for Veterans

Through the Community Care Network, eligible Veterans can receive care from outside providers when certain conditions apply — including long wait times, distance from a VA facility, or when the VA simply doesn't offer the service needed.

Qualifying is straightforward. If your drive to a VA facility exceeds 30 minutes for primary care, or if your state lacks a full-service VA location, you may already be eligible.

Getting started is as simple as talking to your VA care team and requesting a referral. From there, VA handles the coordination. Community Care is here, it's real, and it's ready to serve those who served us. Call to learn more.

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Can you benefit from COMMUNITY CARE?

Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be eligible to receive care from providers in the Community Care Network when certain conditions apply.

Who is eligible for community care?

You may qualify if one of the following applies:

• VA doesn't provide the service you need (e.g., maternity care, IVF).
• You live in a state or territory without a full-service VA health facility.
• You and your VA provider agree it's in your best medical interest.
• VA can't provide care that meets quality standards.
• You qualified under the 40-mile requirement and live in AK, MT, ND, SD, or WY.
• Drive-time or wait-time standards aren't met:
  • Primary/mental health: >30-minute drive or >20-day wait
  • Specialty care: >60-minute drive or >28-day wait

Note: Most non-urgent community care must be approved beforehand.

Learn more online

https://www.va.gov/resources/about-our-va-community-care-network-and-covered-services/

How to request community care

1. Talk to your VA care team
   Ask for a referral. VA checks eligibility and confirms the type of appointment needed.
2. Find a community provider
   Search at VA.gov/find-locations or ask your VA team for help — especially if you can't find an in-network provider.
3. Schedule your appointment
   After your referral is ready, you can schedule the appointment or ask VA to do it. If you schedule it yourself, notify your VA team within 14 days.
4. Receive your authorization letter
   It includes your authorization number, approved provider, type of care, and how long the approval lasts.
5. Go to your appointment
   VA shares your medical records with the provider. Bring any needed imaging.
6. Track visits & renew if needed
   You may schedule follow-ups directly if approved. If you need more care, request a new referral. Questions? Call (TTY 711). M-F, 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. Eastern time.

If you disagree with a decision

You may request a Clinical Appeal by submitting a written request to your patient advocate explaining why you disagree.