Five programs to increase your access to telehealth care

For Veterans, connecting to the internet means getting access to VA’s online tools and resources, including telehealth care. VA telehealth expands care outside of the VA clinic and allows Veterans to access care from anywhere in the country.

VA wants to raise awareness of the importance of digital access for everyone. Broadband access remains a nationwide challenge. According to the Federal Communications Commission, over 8.3 million homes and businesses have no high-speed internet.

VA is bridging the digital divide so that Veterans can access telehealth care. Here are five ways that VA can help you connect with internet services and technologies needed for telehealth.

Digital divide consult

If you would benefit from video visits but don’t have internet access or a video-capable device, VA’s Digital Divide Consult can help.

The Digital Divide Consult is a process that connects Veterans who don’t have internet access or a video-capable device with programs and resources that provide the internet service or technology needed for VA visits. Using the Digital Divide Consult option in your electronic medical record, your VA care team can refer you to a social worker who will assist you with your internet and technology options, such as:

• VA’s Connected Devices Program. Provides eligible Veterans with internet-connected tablets at no cost so they can access VA care through telehealth. VA helps with initial device setup and provides 24/7 tech support for VA-loaned devices.
• FCC’s Lifeline program. Subsidizes the cost of broadband and phone services. Many Veterans are eligible for FCC Lifeline benefits, including Veterans with low incomes and Veterans who participate in Medicaid, qualifying VA pension, VA Survivors Pension and other federal programs.
• FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Provides eligible households with discounts toward home internet service. Households can also receive a one-time discount to purchase a computer or tablet.
• EveryoneOn program. Works to connect people living in the U.S. with low-cost home internet service, affordable computers and tablets, and digital literacy training.

Mobile carrier partnerships

You can use the VA Video Connect app to have video visits with your VA care team using a computer or mobile device with an internet connection. 

AT&T, SafeLink by TracFone, T-Mobile, and Verizon help Veteran subscribers avoid data charges when using VA Video Connect on their networks. This enables Veterans to access their VA care teams with fewer worries about data fees. For more information, visit the mobile carrier programs webpage.

ATLAS

Many Veterans can meet with their VA care teams virtually through VA’s Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) program. ATLAS sites are comfortable, private spaces to meet with your care team via VA Video Connect. To date, there are two dozen ATLAS sites across the country, located at select American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, Walmart stores and other sites. Check to see if there is one near you.

Clinical Resource Hubs

Clinical Resource Hubs expand access to care for Veterans who live in underserved or rural parts of the country. Clinical Resource Hubs use telehealth to provide primary care, mental health and specialty care services to community-based outpatient clinics and other facilities across VA’s 18 health care networks.

Virtual Health Resource Centers

Not sure about your comfort level with telehealth? VA’s Virtual Health Resource Centers are here to help. Learn about virtual health tools available, get help setting up and using a VA-loaned device or VA apps, receive tech support and determine which VA technologies are best for you by phone, video or in person. Visit the VA Connected Care website to learn more about VA’s digital health offerings and check with your provider to see if telehealth works for you.