Posted on 05/15/2015 7:57:27 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
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.
For more details about the department’s progress and related information, see www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp.
still doesn’t say how many miles -
40. Under original plan.
Yeah 40 and I live 35, but no Doctors here anyway.
Vets ping.
.
The other criteria is the VA not being able to get you an appointment within 30 days. I saw a kidney specialist and a cardiologist in less than 30 days. I’ve got appointments with a neurologist and a hematologist. Both were within 30 days of asking for the appointments.
The problem with the choice program is it has to be pre-approved and it has to be with a provider that will accept you.
I’m 47 miles from the VA Hospital. I was offered this but didn’t like the choices more locally. Most of those seem to be Medicare mills. Depressing places.
If I can get a VA appointment within the allotted time or at least close I’ll take the VA, too. Lots of providers who will agree to take a veteran knowing the paperwork involved in trying to get paid do so because they need the business.
Meanwhile the VA is eliminating several tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies etc for veterans over the age of 65...
I was told yesterday that few older people get those diseases so there is no need for the tests..
Oh and we use to see our doctor every six months ...
that’s being changed to once a year or every 2 years...
I was asked yesterday did I want to come back in 6 months or next year and my doctor said since I was healthy he would have to justify making me an appointment to come back in 6 months but after that it would be once a year...
because of my age...66..
Nice eh ???
Meanwhile the illegal aliens of all ages stream into the ERs for the sniffles and we pay for their visits...
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