The Veteran Choice Program (VCP) is a benefit that enables eligible Veterans to receive health care from a provider in the community instead of waiting for a VA appointment or having to travel to a VA facility.
Determining Eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program
To be eligible for the VCP program, you have to be enrolled in VA Healthcare. You must also meet at least one of the criteria include:
- Your local VA medical facility told you there would be more than a 30 day wait for an appointment.
- You have to travel by ferry, boat, or air to get to the VA facility closest to your home.
- Your home is more than a 40-mile driving distance from your local VA facility with a full-time primary care physician.
- It is an excessive burden to travel to your closest VA facility due to environmental factors, geographic location, medical condition, or other reasons specified by your physician. Your local VA facility staff can work with you to determine your eligibility for any of these reasons.
If you think you may be eligible for this program, you can call the VCP Call Center at 866-606-8798. You may also visit the Veterans Choice Program website to check your eligibility and to schedule an appointment. Rather than call your non-VA doctor to make an appointment, be sure to call the VCP call center.
Does Using the Veterans Choice Program Affect My VA Health Care?
Using the VCP does not affect your VA health care. The Veterans Choice Program exists to make it easier for you to access the care you need. The VA is building an integrated health care network to give you more choices to access care and to ensure care is delivered when and where you need it.
Am I Responsible for Copayments to my Other Insurance?
You are not responsible for copayments to your other insurance because the VA is the primary benefit coordinator for the VCP. This means you are only responsible for your VA copayment, which will be determined by the VA after you receive care.
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Robert (Rob) Hamilton, Executive Director of Veterans Place, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Public Service and is currently completing a masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) in Public Policy and Management. Prior to attending Pitt, Rob served in the United States Army National Guard as a military police officer where he worked in crime prevention and emergency response throughout the state of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Supervisor/Manager Certificate from Penn State University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. Rob is currently a board member of South Hills Pet Rescue and is an elected official of the Lower Burrell City Council in the Public Works Department. He is the Co-Chair of the leadership portion of the Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Veteran Homeless Boot Camp Committee. Rob received the 2018 prestigious Salute Our Heroes Recognition from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Who’s Next 2019: Community Leaders & Activists Award from the Under 40 and Making a Difference: The Incline Award. In 2019 Rob received the VA Challenge Certificate of Appreciation.
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