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VA Updates Veterans Choice Program to Consider Driving Distance

April 14, 2015

Washington, DC – Responding to Congressional criticism over how it implemented the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will expand eligibility requirements for veterans. Under the new eligibility, the calculation used to determine eligibility based on the distance from health care facilities will change from a 40 mile straight line to 40 miles of driving distance. The change in eligibility is expected to roughly double the number of eligible veterans for the program.

The Veterans Choice Program is a new, temporary benefit that allows eligible veterans to receive health care in their communities rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. It was created by H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA), a measure passed by Congress with Rep. LaMalfa's support in order to hire more VA medical personnel, update facilities, and enable veterans to receive private medical care.

"Many veterans in the North State live in rural areas far from a VA facility, but that shouldn't exclude them from receiving the care that they've earned. I am pleased that the VA is finally fulfilling Congress' intent to increase access to care for veterans, regardless of whether they live in a city, suburb, or rural area," stated LaMalfa. "This new calculation for eligibility is just common sense, and it will allow more veterans to participate in the Veterans Choice program – that is a step in the right direction."

Veterans seeking to use the Veterans Choice Program should call 1-866-606-8198 to confirm their eligibility and to schedule an appointment. Since the Choice Program went into effect on November 5, 2014, more than 45,000 medical appointments have been scheduled.

For more details about the department's progress, visit https://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheeact ts_and_details.asp.