VA Expands Choice Program Eligibility Effectively Immediately
(April 24, 2015) In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a Veteran's place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately.
“VA
is pleased to announce the distance calculation change from
straight-line to driving distance for the Veterans Choice Program,” said
Secretary Robert McDonald. “This update to the program will allow more
Veterans to access care when and where they want it. We look forward to
continued dialogue with Veterans and our partners to help us ensure
continued improvements for Veterans’ to access care.”
The
change from straight-line to driving distance roughly doubles the
number of eligible Veterans. Letters are being sent to the newly
eligible Veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the
Veterans Choice Program under this expansion. If a Veteran does not
remember receiving a Veterans Choice Card or has other questions about
the Choice Program, they can call (866) 606-8198.
Effective
immediately, VA is also changing the mileage calculation for
beneficiary travel. The change will ensure consistency in VA's mileage
calculations across the two programs. The beneficiary travel calculation
will now be made using the fastest route instead of the shortest route.
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