The Non-VA Medical Care Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may authorize a non-VA health care facility to provide necessary medical care services when such services are not routinely available at a VA health care facility, or VA determines that such services can be obt...
What is The Non-VA Medical Care Program?
The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) may authorize a non-VA health care facility to provide necessary medical care services when such services are not feasibly available at a VA health care facility, or VA determines that such services can be obtained outside the VA more economically or more appropriately due to geographic inaccessibility.
VA community care must be authorized by VA in advance - unless the medical event is an emergency. Emergency events may be reimbursed on behalf of the Veteran in certain cases. See the Emergency Care Fact Sheet for information.
Program Requirements
You must be enrolled in the VA health care system (or qualify based on one of the exceptions in the law). Go to "Basic Medical Benefits for Veterans" to see the program requirements.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the Veteran/Servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Application Details
What is the application process for The Non-VA Medical Care Program?
To inquire about authorized hospital care and medical services in non-VA health care facilities, contact your nearest VA health care facility. Visit the directory to locate your nearest VA health care facility.