Community Care Overview
VA provides care to Veterans through community providers when VA cannot provide the care needed.
Community care is based on specific eligibility requirements, availability of VA care, and the needs and circumstances of individual Veterans.
Veteran Care Overview
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Community care is available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.