Information for Veterans
VA offers a variety of health care and services for Veterans through community health care providers and other partners outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a provider (doctor) in their community when VA cannot provide the care they need. This type of care is known as “community care,” and is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
These services are provided to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Although some changes have taken place with community care recently, Veterans continue to have access to this type of care. The process starts at your VA medical facility.
Accessing Community Care
Follow the steps below to see if you are eligible for community care:
1. Go to VA
- Schedule an appointment with a VA provider (doctor).
- Your VA care team will work with you to see if you are eligible for community care.
- Eligibility is based on your medical needs, care that is available at VA, and other requirements.
2. Make an Appointment
- VA will work with you to find a community provider and make an appointment.
- You can select a community provider or VA can select one for you.
3. Receive Care
- Arrive promptly for your appointment.
- If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment, check with your community provider to make sure VA has authorized the care.
IMPORTANT: Make sure VA confirms you are eligible and authorized before proceeding to Step 2.
IMPORTANT: The community provider selected must be in VA’s network and be willing to accept payment from VA.
IMPORTANT: If VA has not authorized follow-up care, your community provider should contact VA to arrange the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Care
Answers to your questions about eligibility for community care programs, how to find a community care provider and make appointments, receiving care, and the costs associated with receiving community care.
Community Care FAQs
Explore Community Care Programs
Community Emergency Medical Care
During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. A claim for emergency care will never be denied based solely on VA not receiving notification prior to seeking care. This page provides additional information about seeking emergency medical care.
Foreign Medical Program
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits program for U.S. Veterans who are residing or traveling abroad and have VA-rated, service-connected disabilities.
Indian Health Services
The VHA Office of Community Care, the Office of Tribal Government Relations, and VA medical centers work together to implement the Tribal Reimbursement Agreements Program.
Infertility Treatment
Veterans with certain service-connected conditions that result in infertility may be eligible for infertility treatment and services paid for by VA.
No-Cost Flu Immunizations
During flu season, protecting your health with a flu shot is easier than ever — and as close as your local VA or neighborhood Walgreens! VA and Walgreens care about your health and are partnering to offer enrolled Veteran patients easy access to flu shots.
Patient-Centered Community Care
Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) is a nationwide network of community providers that provides eligible Veterans access to primary care, inpatient/outpatient specialty care, mental health care, limited emergency care, and limited newborn care for enrolled female Veterans following the birth of a child.
Preauthorized Non-VA Inpatient/Outpatient Medical Care
This community care program provides payment authorization for eligible Veterans to obtain routine outpatient or inpatient medical services through community providers.
State Home Per Diem Program
VA's State Home program provides an economical alternative to constructing, maintaining and operating VA facilities for the provision of care to eligible Veterans.
Veterans Choice Program
The Veterans Choice Program is one of several programs through which a Veteran can receive care from a community provider, paid for by VA. For example, if a Veteran needs an appointment for a specific type of care, and VA cannot provide the care in a timely manner, or the nearest VA medical facility is too far away or too difficult to travel to, then the Veteran may be eligible for care through the Veterans Choice Program.
Manage Your Health
My HealtheVet
Appointments: Keep track of your upcoming VA medical appointments and get email reminders.
Health Records: View, print, or download a copy of your VA medical information, or enter your own health information.
Pharmacy Benefits: Refill your VA prescriptions, track delivery, view a list of your VA medications, and other details.
Secure Messaging: Communicate securely online with your VA health care team and other VA staff about non-emergency information or questions.
Understand Your Bill
Billing
Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) can work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to resolve debt collection or adverse credit reporting resulting from inappropriate or delayed billing.
Copayment Information
This page contains links to Veteran copay information such as copay rates, copayment exemption for telehealth, medication and outpatient copays, and understanding your VA patient statement.
Other Veteran Benefits and Programs
Caregiver Assistance
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced services for caregivers of eligible Veterans seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, which may include a financial stipend, access to health care insurance, mental health counseling, caregiver training, and respite care. A Veteran/Servicemember who wishes to participate in the PCAFC must meet applicable criteria and requirements.
Federal Benefits Guide
View the online VA Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet or download the print version.
Health Benefits Explorer
Learn about the VA health care benefits you could receive as an enrolled Veteran.
Veterans Living Abroad
If you’re a Veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality.
