Urgent care is one of the new benefits offered as part of the VA MISSION Act that gives Veterans greater choice in their health care. The benefit is offered in addition to the opportunity to receive care from a VA provider, as VA also offers same-day services. We are working to ensure Veterans understand how to use the new urgent care benefit as part of VA’s comprehensive benefits package. In this article, we answer some common questions about the new urgent care benefit.

  1. What is urgent care? Urgent care is a type of walk-in health care for situations where you need help but don’t have an emergency, such as colds, ear infections, minor injuries, pink eye, skin infections, and strep throat.
  2. Why are there different urgent care locations? There are two types of urgent care network locations: Retail and Urgent.
  • Retail locations such as CVS or Walgreens are places where you can get care for minor ailments like a sore throat or earache.
  • Urgent locations provide more comprehensive walk-in care for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening, like splinting, casting, lacerations, or wound treatment.

Both retail and urgent locations are staffed with healthcare professionals who are licensed and credentialed.

  1. Are there urgent care providers near me? VA launched the urgent care benefit on June 6, 2019, and we are working to expand our network of urgent care providers, adding more every week. Urgent care providers are vetted and must meet strict standards of care and other requirements before they are added to VA’s network. To find a location, use the VA facility locator at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/. Select the link entitled “Find VA approved urgent care locations and pharmacies near you”. If you arrive at an urgent care network location and have difficulty receiving care, call 866-620-2071 for assistance. More information.
  2. How do I get prescription medication with the urgent care benefit? You can get up to a 14-day supply of prescription medication through VA, a VA-contracted pharmacy, or a non-contracted pharmacy. If you choose to fill an urgent care prescription at a non-contracted pharmacy, you will be required to pay for the prescription when you pick it up and then file a claim for reimbursement at your local VA medical facility. Prescription medication for longer than a 14-day supply must be filled by a VA pharmacy. More information.
  3. Do I have to make copayments for urgent care? Copayments for urgent care depend on your assigned priority group and the number of times you visit any urgent care provider in a calendar year. Urgent care copayments are not charged when you receive care from an urgent care provider, but are billed separately by VA. More information.

For additional information about the VA MISSION Act, visit https://missionact.va.gov/ 

 

Topics in this story

Mission ActUrgent CareVA Health CareVeterans

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85 Comments

  1. mike sandell July 27, 2019 at 09:28

    My Brother tried to use this new local urgent care being in Montana every thing is far away a 100 mile to the VA hospital at fort Harrison or 70 miles to a clinic that don’t have much. He fell and hurt his neck. So looked up the urgent care site on the VA web page. There a section n to see if your eligible you put in the vets info he was. Then there a section to see what urgent care in your area in network you put in your zip code. Well there were three Belgrade, Bozeman, Dillion MT well since I help my brother a lot with appointments and taking him to the VA and see how it works I don’t trust the VA a lot so I call all three on the VA list none except it so none in the Madisen county or Gallatin county MT so what good is this new urgent care benefit I am disappointed in how the VA implemented the new mission act. I did 22 years in the NAVY and use blue cross thank good I can afford it and my poor brother only has the VA. I can use TRICARE but if it’s any thing like the VA they can keep it would most likely get me bad and feel like I waisted 22 years in the Navy.

  2. Kathy Thompson July 23, 2019 at 02:35

    First of all jp romansic, if you need help, there are people who can help you figure it out. You can use a service officer at your local American Legion post. That person can get the answer for you or at least can send you in the right direction. 2nd, you can go to your local VA hospital or clinic and ask for help. If you still haven’t gotten an answer for the help you need, you can call the White House directly at the White House/ VA Veteran’s Complaint Hotline. The toll-free number is 1-855-948-2311. It’s open 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.3rd, soldier, you can adjust your attitude and respect the people who are trying to help you. That includes Trump.
    I wish you luck and I respect your service.
    Kathy Thompson, USAF and USNR

  3. My fellow vets July 20, 2019 at 08:37

    Come on people. Wake up.
    I checked the Mission Act requirements concerning urgent care locations. Great news. If I need urgent care I am authorized to visit my nearest Walgreens. Wow, do I feel the relief. Are you kidding people. This is nothing more then one step closer to VA privatization.
    That is EXACTLY what Trump and the government wants.
    You think the VA health system sucks now just wait until that happens. Wake up. They are promoting the vet to go out and get a private health care provider. They are no better now then 6 years ago about appointments and the time it takes to get one. They schedule your appointments 3 months and longer out so you will get pissed and hunt for a private care doctor on the outside. But the catch is the doctors that are involved in this programs are doctors that you would never consider going to in the first place. Are you kidding. My advocate hooked me up to a doctor on the outside that he said as great. I went there and just about suit my pants. This doctor was located in an old strip mall and the sign on the front window was a piece of typing paper with his name on it taped on the front window. And the same level of care will be exactly the level of care that will be contracted into our VA hospitals.
    Come on Trump. You have no clue about being a vet. You are a business man that doesn’t even use the government system of VA health.
    I had signs of pancreatic cancer. My primary dr at the VA scheduled tests for that cancer. But the catch… She schedule me for tests 4 MONTHS OUT.
    So don’t give me shit about how great the Mission Act is. Don’t give me crap about the Choice Program. Don’t give me crap about how the health system is going to be much better with privatization for the vet. Just give me what was promised to me in exchange for putting my life on the line for this shitfaced, confused country.
    I’ve had enough interaction with doctors in the VA system who graduated from an Arub high school inserted into our VA health care system dressing up as doctors on holloween

    Captain and 3 tour vet in the Vietnam conflict. I believe I deserve the same health care as you,,,, Trump

  4. Michael Beery July 18, 2019 at 07:09

    I visited the hospital in ER in Durham NC and was not happy about the help I received. I Had to go the local Hospital for treatment. The VA left me in the woods for treatment.

  5. John M. Harrison July 13, 2019 at 11:22

    I am trying my best to understand all this but I am not getting much help! When I first heard about the Mission care program I went to my local VA clinic & they told me they didn’t have the info yet as they have not been trained in it! I have gone back twice & so far I have not had any luck!I want something in writing that will tell me what is paid & what isn’t! Also, we only have an outpatient clinic here & are not open on weekends & close @ 5:00 pm on weekdays! When I first enrolled with VA I sat down with the patient advocate & he told me ( and gave me a brochure) that said if I have an after hours emergency go to the nearest emergency room or urgent health care center, show my ID card & the VA would cover the cost! I woke up one morning with so much pain in my back U could not walk! Every step felt likeI was having a heart attack! My Grandaughter called an ambulance, I went to emergency, had Xrays & was told I had had 2 ruptured discs in my back! They prescribed meds & sent me home!Luckily after a few days I could walk again but still had some pain & discomfort! Then I started getting bills from hospital! When I went back to local VA I was told that they only paid for life & death emergencies ( heart attack, stroke etc) I ended up paying over $2000.00 out of my own pocket! Why didn’t they tell me that in the beginning & why doesn’t their brochure tell you that! The nearest VA hospital is 80 miles away & was told if I went there everything would have been covered! Please advise me on how to recoup my money & what to do in future! The

    • John Martin July 16, 2019 at 14:10

      John-Every VA hospital has a patient advocate office. I would suggest that you contact that office @ your nearest VA hospital. I say that because there are so many variables in your situation. One would be is the hospital you went to recognized as a treatment center by the VA. Is it on the VA’s recognized treatment list. Also, did you notify the VA when you went to the hospital that day? A good place to start at home is to Google “https://www.missionact.va.gov/”. Good Luck…

      • Carol Sue Hill July 18, 2019 at 13:47

        How do I make note of a Patient Advocate group who not only didn’t fill out a report for me when I phoned in about an issue but now won’t even return my phone calls? I am trying to get reimbursed for an emergency dental surgery I underwent after visiting my VA dental office 5 times and they kept giving me antibiotics and sending me home (apparently to die). This is the Lee County Florida PA and DDS offices.

        • John Martin July 19, 2019 at 17:40

          Carol-If the Patient Advocate (I am not sure what the Patient Advocate Group is) @ your VA Hospital is unable to help you, you can contact the Mission Act coordinator @ the same VA Hospital, for help and or guidance. Have you tried going to the VA Dental Clinic @ your VA Hospital for help/guidance? If all else fails, make an appointment with the VA Hospital Commander and talk with him/her about your situation. Access to dental care by the VA is not available to everyone. There are certain criteria that veterans must meet-before they are eligible for it. And for those who are eligible for it, they cannot just go into any civilian dental clinic-without prior authorization for work/surgery, and expect the VA to pay for it. “https://www.missionact.va.gov/” is a good link to familiarize yourself with about the new “Mission Act”.

      • Carol Sue Hill July 18, 2019 at 13:48

        How do I make note of a Patient Advocate group who not only didn’t fill out a report for me when I phoned in about an issue but now won’t even return my phone calls? I am trying to get reimbursed for an emergency dental surgery I underwent after visiting my VA dental office 5 times and they kept giving me antibiotics and sending me home (apparently to die). This is the Lee County Florida PA and DDS offices. P.s. this is NOT. Duplicate comment!

      • John Petrichella July 30, 2019 at 11:23

        It’s no longer called “Patient Advocate” but rather “Customer Service” dept..

    • Justine July 23, 2019 at 18:36

      John
      The VA emergency will be changing as far as covered services in September. As it stands if you are not SC for the injury the VA will not cover it unless you a) do not have any other health insurance or b) you are over 50% SC in one aspect or are P&T disabled. You have to be a registered with the VA and have been seen w/ in 24 months, I believe. The clinical date reviews by the RN in the Business Office and I suggest you speak to your Asst Business Office Chief for any assistance.

  6. Chad Childers July 9, 2019 at 16:34

    Sounds like a good program to me. There have been several times when I was sick that I wished the VA offered faster care.

  7. William D Johnson July 9, 2019 at 11:25

    Another SNAFU! I’ve tried several times to get simple answers and nothing. I’ve left messages on many voice mails because no on answers the phone. When someone does answer the phone I get transferred to a voicemail. All of the folks who have answered the phone are pleasant and refer to the phone maze a s a merry go round. My facility is the American Lake in Lakewood south of Tacoma. They are underpaid, understaffed and it’s hectic to say the least. It’s not their fault. I just went through the Tri-west maze and it’s crazy. The Tri-west rep could not pronounce colonoscopy.

    My step-dad went through it and finally got a referral. Then then finally Tri-west called and arranged an appointment. Then an opening came up with the VA and they cancelled the Tri-west appointment and scheduled with the VA another month out. In the mean time my step-dad suffered with a hernia. then the VA postponed his surgery Another month. Absolute madness. He finally got his surgery and it was very poorly managed.

    I do hope someday they get all this sorted out but based on previous experiences by myself and most everyone I know,, I doubt it.

  8. loaded mp3 July 9, 2019 at 05:38

    I like the idea of the Mission Act.

  9. Craig L July 8, 2019 at 20:35

    I think this might be a great program once they get the bugs worked out. I ended up having to use my tri-care benefits and pay a copay for my medication. I followed the directions on the paperwork I was sent by the VA and then found a provider from their website, I called to see if the doctor visit would be paid since I had so much trouble with them paying for meds. I was told it takes 120 days for providers to be added to their list. The representative I spoke with told me to wait and see if the doctor gets paid and if I get a bill to call them back. I hope they pay for my doctors visit, the person I talk to didn’t still too much confidence in the program.

  10. John J. Toni, Jr. July 8, 2019 at 10:43

    I’m getting calls all day long from Tri- West asking me to select a primary care doctor; are they an authorized Mission Act provider? They ask for personal information; I don’t feel comfortable dealing with them as I have not received any information from the VA telling me I’d be hearing from them.

    • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 11:40

      John-Do you have separate health insurance from another source? Such as Tricare/Federal health insurance from the US Government-State Government/or maybe health insurance from a civilian job? If you do and Tri-West is their healthcare provider-that is why they are asking you to pick a Primary Health Care provider. That would have nothing to do with the VA. Call Tri-West and ask them why? Also, call your VA PCP and ask them about it.

  11. Marsha Burris, Office Manager July 8, 2019 at 03:44

    Don’t always assume it is the Doctors that aren’t willing to see the patients because I am the office manager for a physician who also happens to be a Veteran and here is our situation. He has had a Family Practice clinic for 25 years and then about 4 years ago we started also doing Suboxone because of the epidemic in our area so I had already a few years ago gotten us signed up with the Choice program and we are able to see all 3 types of patients (Regular Medical Patients, Mental Health and Suboxone for Addiction) and we are open extended hours and 6 days a week and I personally schedule all of my Veterans and get them as soon as THEY want to come in. So tell me why the VA has stopped scheduling patients through my Choice contacts? I have even called and asked them have we made someone mad? Do I need to re-credential? Etc…And I was told this point blank they are now making veterans see NP’s and MD’s at the clinics on site at the VA and if they miss the appointment it just is what it is. they don’t care about mileage or if someone actually works etc. So I asked can I write a letter to help appeal and get my Veterans back in my clinic with a new SAR? No answers and not one single SAR has been approved. So please know it is not all doctors offices and it is very upsetting to see that they would rather you go to a random walk in clinic than to an available extended care clinic that actually will know you and care for you and offer continuity of care. Continue on with determination and a smile as we will achieve results this way. God Bless!!

  12. Richard Schmidt July 7, 2019 at 11:06

    The new Mission Act sounds good. But I am puzzled by the Dental care part that indicates a reduced rate if you use Delta Dental. I went to both the Delta sites, the VA sponsored one and the regular Delta site, and I was amazed to find the VA program was a couple of dollars more than the regular Delta program! I made several calls and no one could explain it, only that each program was independent of the other. The only advantage (discount) I could see was there was no $10 application fee for the Mission program. Can someone explain before I sign up?

    • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 11:27

      Richard-I think you are getting different programs mixed up. The VA and Delta have separate Dental care programs that require monthly payments. Neither one is related to the “Mission Act/Choice” program. VA also provides dental services to a very specific group of veterans-with very specific eligibility criteria. You can Google the VA Dental and it will give you that criteria. The most common one is all 100% VA rated service connected veterans-receive any an all care necessary. The dental care under the choice program is still hard to understand. I would suggest you call the Dental Clinic at your nearest VA hospital and find out if you are eligible for Dental Care under the “Mission/Choice Act.” Depending on if you have service connected disabilities/what VA priority group you are in/what the cost of living in your area is/your income etc,-all of that factors in to what VA services (Medical and Dental) you are eligible for and, what if any, copayments their are.

      • Richard Schmidt July 8, 2019 at 20:10

        Johnnie, Thanks for the reply. It appears I was thinking the VADIP program was part of Mission. I do not qualify for dental care with the VA. So, the VADIP program using Delta as compared with the regular Delta program is what I question. I will take your advise and go to the dental office at the VA hospital for the answers.

        • Johnnie Martin July 9, 2019 at 09:43

          Richard-Go luck with the VA dental. Before I was eligible for dental through the VA, I had a lot of dental work done by a large university school that taught and trained dentists. The work was always excellent and I saved several thousand dollars, over the cost of using a local dentist.

        • Gary Crittenden July 12, 2019 at 16:23

          Johnnie Martin….As a 100% veteran, I get ‘full coverage dental’ from the VA in addition, my wife can get dental care from Delta or Met-Life for a very small charge.

  13. Timothy Frank Hill July 7, 2019 at 01:49

    I am a Veit Nam vet. I live in Iloilo City, Philippines. I currently pay for at my own expense for urgent care here. I travel to Guam once or twice a year because the VA Clinic in Manila, I have been told, only treats for service related disabilities. I receive full treatment on Guam at the VA clinic there, but the expenses are at my own cost. Airline tickets, food, lodging and car rental on Guam are not cheap.
    My question is, will there ever be approved urgent care approved in Iloilo City, Philippines?

  14. Timothy Frank Hill July 7, 2019 at 01:39

    I live in Iloilo City, Philippines. have been told that I can only receive care at the Manila VA outpatient clinic, so I travel to Guam at my own expense once or twice a year. Have to obtain airline tickets, lodging, rental car and food at my expense. I have been receiving Urgent care and was hospitalized once in Iloilo City. This is all at my own expense. Will there ever be an approved urgent care in Iloilo City, Philippines?

  15. larry rummel July 6, 2019 at 17:29

    Larry Rummel Cottleville Mo
    Went to MinuteCare in CVS today…..fantastic experience …in and out in 20 min….bandaged me up with professional care
    A big WTG to the VA for this great new service

  16. Theresa Taggart July 6, 2019 at 15:46

    My husband has been w va at Indianapolis since 2012 and one visit he has cops and Parkinson’s then the next visit he don’t have Parkinson’s then it’s well I just don’t don’t know.he gets benefits for his back but they say his back isn’t connected.crazy.i wish we could use our family doct.

  17. Charles W Tillinghast July 6, 2019 at 15:22

    This is total crap , I followed the links provided and the instructions given and now I’m more confused than when I started.
    This whole startup sounds and feels like another of Trumps BS scams , watch the lil red ball or follow the yellow brick road.

    • Ginger Emory Palumbo July 8, 2019 at 09:43

      Its not President Trumps fault that you cant follow simple instructions…

      • William Dixon July 10, 2019 at 17:07

        Exactly Right! Always someone blaming our PRESIDENT!!! Whatever happened to respect for the PRESIDENT? whether you like the individual or not. Been plenty of presidents to dislike for any number of reasons. Nobody ever even remotely could have blamed Obama and gotten away with it…NOOOOO! That would’ve been straight up RACISM! Remember he had that uncanny ability to sniff it out..even when it wasn’t there. Follow his yellow brick road and see where that takes ya!!!! The VA is not perfect but it’s gotten a lot better under this administration for sure. If anyone needs help navigating their websites and using these resources there’s plenty of help available. Don’t come to these comment/reply places and bitch.

    • R Bucknell July 25, 2019 at 15:19

      Doesn’t matter which party is in office. What it’s about is the UnAffordable Care Act. Pushed me out of my private care “can’t afford” into VA care. Now VA overwhelmed with same. It’s wait to get a number wait for your number called and wait for care. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder you’re not going to get the care you expect.
      It’s what healthcare for all will look like. Long lines rationed care and stress.
      SNAFU!!!!

  18. Anderson Michel July 6, 2019 at 15:19

    Great news Benefits for Veterans. thank you VA and President Trump.

  19. Arnold Cabral July 6, 2019 at 13:43

    Not all I have not used Mission Act.

  20. Cynthia Matthews July 6, 2019 at 13:22

    I went to a va approved urgent care and all I had to present was my veteran ID card. All was free including my prescription . I am happy I don’t have to drive 1 hour to va urgent care again

  21. Roger Lamb July 6, 2019 at 13:10

    I am still confused. I live in a rural area, and no urgent care facilitues near me are listed. It is only 20 miles to one that’s listed … But it takes a over half hour to get there. VA measures from the center of your zip code and in straight lines, which don’t match reality. So if I trukbeed urgent care and go to the one in town only 5 minutes away, will I be charged?

  22. Marvin lipps July 6, 2019 at 12:29

    Same old bullshit nothing gets any better with the va system.the head of the va thinks your ovaries to our health

    • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 14:51

      “the head of the va thinks your ovaries to our health”? I’m still trying to figure this out.

    • James Walters July 17, 2019 at 11:30

      I too live in a rural area and, perhaps I’m not interpreting the information correctly, but the “in-network” or acceptable urgent care facilities in my area are all farther away than the VA Clinic – which is 40 miles from my home.

  23. Robert Ahles July 6, 2019 at 09:39

    I like the idea of a community urgent care provider but not at a CVS or Walgreens Pharmacy. I have real community urgent care providers near with extensive staff and equipment and the VA sends us to a local pharmacy. I think this is all political and really not in the best interest of Veterans. You will soon see numerous complaints about this program.

  24. Roy Bryan July 5, 2019 at 13:00

    VA in Corpus Christi Tx is excellent. Never have I had any trouble, great people!

  25. Derek McDoogle July 5, 2019 at 12:23

    I like that you mentioned that you can go to an urgent care clinic for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening, like splinting, casting, lacerations, or wound treatment. I’ve heard that they can help you teat skin infections, pink eye, and minor injuries. Thanks for helping me understand the reasons to go to a walk-in clinic.

  26. arthur ringwood July 4, 2019 at 12:47

    i have been looking for the: ALTERNATIVE BILLING SITE FOR A MONTH? in january of 2019 i used my choice card privilege to go to non-va facility,for a primary event.there is now a balance of payment due? where do i send this billing for payment? thanks.

  27. robin mayo July 4, 2019 at 12:38

    How do I know if I qualify for the Missions Program

    • Johnnie Martin July 5, 2019 at 21:10

      Robin-You must be enrolled in the VA Healthcare system to use the choice program. If you are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare system-Go to the nearest VA hospital with your DD Form 214. They will enroll you on the spot. They will also help you get a VA primary care Doctor. Google the Mission Act eligibility requirements and you will find the criteria for it..

    • Don Wardlow July 6, 2019 at 13:01

      https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp#UrgentCare

      • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 15:16

        Don-Your link is for the Urgent Care aspect of the Mission Act. It does not list the eligibility requirements for the Mission Act.

      • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 15:41

        https://www.missionact.va.gov/

  28. robin mayo July 4, 2019 at 12:34

    How do I find out if I can Use the VA missions program.

  29. Leonard Hughes July 4, 2019 at 11:03

    I think it a great new bennifit and very creative way to expand veterans care . Thank you VA and President Trump

    • David LeGalley July 5, 2019 at 14:12

      Bull sh*t! This doesn’t work any better that CHOICE did in Montana and CHOICE didn’t work at all!

    • W.A.C.Co. July 6, 2019 at 11:28

      Have you read any of the other comments? This program, like tRump, is FUBAR.

      We have several Walgreens and CVS in Springfield, IL. Also, there are clinics for the two hospitals in town.

      However, the only clinic I can go to is CCHC, for people on public aid, and is not a walk-in clinic. Or the VA, which is not a walk-in either.

      • Johnnie Martin July 8, 2019 at 11:10

        My VA clinic accepts walk-ins. You do not go to the front of the line but they will see you. If it is an emergency, they tell you to call 911. As for the two hospital clinics in town, why not talk with them and see why they are not in the Choice program. It may be that they don’t want to be in the Choice program or they are not familiar with it. Since you are not happy with the current choice available to you-don’t use it. The choice program does not guarantee us that we can use any hospital/clinic/Doctor that we want. You have options. If you don’t like what is available to you, use who you want and pay for it.

  30. Leonard Hughes July 4, 2019 at 10:59

    Very impressed and it a great new Bennefit for Veterans. Thank You VA and President Trump

  31. Donald E Putnam July 4, 2019 at 10:35

    Just like the Choice Act this is nothing but eyewash for the public. I tried to use Choice, never happened the VA won’t do the job. Now, I’m trying to use the Mission Act and again my PCP won’t do the work to get me into Community Care. So, all you at the head of the VA and this program can all go fick themselves.

    • Paula Zielke July 6, 2019 at 23:21

      Heres an idea…. use the energy you generate with negativity for a positive change.

  32. Gayla DeBose Kunis July 4, 2019 at 10:20

    I’d like to know why I went to one of listed Urgent Care, they copied my ID card, got prescription filled at Publix for $4.
    Then, this week, I get a bill for $364 because they don’t show any insurance. I shouldn’t have do deal with inefficiency and/or misinformation. Need this resolved.

    • James Webster July 5, 2019 at 12:10

      Just like in public medicine you have to be your own advocate….you could have experienced this even if you did not go thru the VA. Instead of complaining help work towards bettering the system follow procedure, if you don’t understand the procedure talk to your patient advocate! We have dealt with the VA for many years and find that if YOU follow thru THEY follow thru! OR you can start paying outrageous insurance premiums and go to public medicine and experience the occasional issue. Support the VA do your part to make the system work and it will.

    • Dustin Faulk July 6, 2019 at 13:31

      It all depends on your priority group and income….this is where Vets get extremely confused and the VA does a horrible job at explaining priority groups to Veterans. If your income meets the certain means testing levels the VA use to do every year where we would have a means test and if your income fell under a certain amount, your priority group the VA placed you in played a role in your co-pay for Rx and Doctor visits.

      This is the same system…if your 100 % disabled, it’s a clerical error and call your VISN consolidated Fee unit and speak with the representative about your issue, but I’d your a Vet and make 100k/year, this is why you were charged the large amount. That’s about the quickest way I can explain it….your annual income, disability rating and priority group is going to make the decision on what Vets pay at ER’s and Urgent Care. It hasn’t changed, they’ve just done a good job at word changes of a system that will be the same from the time you entered, I entered and until the VA turns totally private, which is what I believe will happen…this is a slow walk to the meat market. Good Luck, I truly hope you call your VISN rep and get it resolved. Thanks for you volunteering for a service that doesn’t get near enough benefits we’ve earned – US ARMY (6 years active)

    • Kimberly Jones July 7, 2019 at 21:38

      If you meet the criteria for the Mission Act, and your provider still will not make a referral then I would go ask to speak to the Chief of Staff of your VA and ask why. There are some very specific guidelines regarding when you can use community care versus the VA.

  33. Samuel G. Orr July 4, 2019 at 10:11

    I was told that there is no medical aid available to me (WW2 vet.) because My income is over $37,000 per year. Is that true? Samuel G. Orr

    • Johnnie Martin July 5, 2019 at 20:57

      Samuel-There is no direct yes or no answer to your question. There are factors such as what priority group the VA has you in. What service connected disabilities you may have. What percentage your disability rating is-if any. Are you enrolled in the VA Healthcare system? Are you living in a high cost of living area-as determined by the VA. Your state should have a local VA office in the county you are living in. Give them a call and go down and talk with them. They will be able to answer your question. Good Luck

  34. Michael Page July 4, 2019 at 09:53

    There is this game called, “Bull Sht” where someone will say something, or make a claim and if it doesn’t sound real, the other person calls your hand and declares, :”Bull Sht”. Let me apologize for the profanity, but this seems to be an appropriate analogy, Of the ACT program. ACT is not a total BS program, but I must call it, due to a very serious request for am appointment, at the VA.
    A week and a half ago I put in two, separate requests, for appointments. One one for my primary care provider and in the system, or reason block I stated shortness of breath and lack of balance. The very next day I received a call, from scheduling and had an appointment set, within a couple of days. There was a weekend, between the call and the available appointment.
    My second request was for the mental health clinic. The reason, as stated in the request was, “severe depression”! It has now been about 10 days, since I submitted the request and, to this date, I have NOT received a single call, from scheduling! One of the biggest health problems, to day is the serious issue, of mental health and the terribly high instance of suicide, not just within the armed forces, but globally. While, at this time I am not considering suicide, all I do is sit in the dark and cry!
    So, VA, I am sorry but I must call, “Bull Sht”

  35. Byrd Thibodaux July 4, 2019 at 09:43

    The Urgent Care Locator is very inaccurate. My zip code 98311 has at least 2 VA Urgent Care locations (Peninsula Community Health Services in Bremerton, WA) which are not listed in the Locator.

    • Ginger Emory Palumbo July 8, 2019 at 09:46

      That means those are not in the network!

  36. Audrey Skarness July 4, 2019 at 08:10

    From where I live, the only VA approved places I can go are Huntsville, Tx. 28 miles away, and Conroe, Tx. 46.6 miles away.

  37. Michael L. Hastings July 4, 2019 at 06:24

    You lost it. Did fill this out.

  38. Paul Courchene July 4, 2019 at 06:14

    Thank You for the Great Service at Manchester (NH) VA Hospital …

  39. Michael L. Hastings July 4, 2019 at 06:13

    My husband needs surgery. We have been trying for over a month to find out who approves VA medical care. We are constantly told to consult your care provider. His doctor says his hernia is getting dangerous he needs surgery. We have made dozen of calls asking who to ask. His has a doctor and has been going through Tri West for approval. Now they say call a VA facility and they will get the approval. They give us the run around. Is he supposed to die before someone knows how this program is supposed to work. He is very happy with this present local doctor and we no longer have to drive 65 miiles one way. This system is causing a great deal of stress me as well as for him. I was in emergency room yesterday from all this stress. We are 79 and feel the Government is badly failing us again. We fought for 4 years to get local care and now we start all over again. We are also taking care of a brain damage son. We are fast losing our ability to cope with this stress.

    • Johnnie Martin July 5, 2019 at 20:49

      Michael-You must be enrolled in the VA Healthcare system to use the Mission Act. If you are enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, you have a VA Primary Care Doctor. If you are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, you must first enroll in it. There are many ways to do that. The easiest is to go to the nearest VA Hospital (With your DD Form 214) and they will enroll you on the spot. If you have a VA Primary Care Doctor, call him/her up and get an appointment with him/her. They will get you scheduled and/or sent to a specialist who will evaluate you and get the surgery scheduled. It sounds like you are trying to get your Civilian Doctor to set up the surgery. He/she could do that through Medicare and any other insurance you may have. But, the VA must approve your surgery, if you are going to use the Choice/Mission act program. You can accomplish that by going through your VA Primary Care Doctor. You should have a State VA office in the county you live in. It will be under the State Government Listings. Call them for help.

    • Johnnie Martin July 5, 2019 at 21:05

      I will try and answer your question-again. First reply went off into computer land. You must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system, to use choice. If you are enrolled, call your VA Healthcare Provider and get an appointment with him/her. He/she will get the ball rolling. If you are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare system-you must enroll to use choice. The easiest way to do that, is to go to your nearest VA Hospital with your DD Form 214. The will enroll you on the spot and help you get a VA Primary Care Doctor. The VA must approve the procedure. You start that process by seeing/calling your VA Doctor. Your civilian Doctor cannot authorize the VA to pay for the surgery. Good Luck

  40. Doris Chatman July 4, 2019 at 05:55

    Great information. I did not know about VA Urgent Care. Good to know. Thanks!

    • Kimberly Jones July 7, 2019 at 21:47

      Call your VA Chief of Staff and tell them you need continuation of care if you have not already resolved this issue. I am writing about Veterans on a specific tab you can find on the Veterans page. You can go to one of the Mission Act articles and post a question.

  41. carl July 4, 2019 at 05:46

    I have received emails concerning this program. But to be honest, I don’t understand enough about this program and how it works.

    These presentations(ads) look good on paper but complicated. When Would and How would anyone use it.

    carl

  42. Ronald K Reddell July 4, 2019 at 01:26

    I like the idea of the Mission Act. That said, I’m In Community Care now and my PSA was very high!
    My Dr. put in a referral request for the Urologist to VA over 3 weeks ago and we’ve had no response!
    I’ve contacted VA (been bounced out of the phone system and left 2 messages for the Patient advocate) and still no response.

    How long do I wait to see if I have Prostate CA? System not very responsive!

    • Johnnie Martin July 5, 2019 at 21:17

      Ronald-Easiest way to do that, is to ask your VA Doctor for a Urology referral. He/she will do that. How long it takes depends on your location. Once you get the VA Referral, call the VA Urology clinic and ask them what the wait times are. If you meet the requirements in the Mission Act, ask for a civilian referral. Maybe it will be quicker.

  43. Cyrus Lee July 4, 2019 at 00:08

    So 90 miles from Walgreens or CVS or like service, one way. Nothing but our ER at hospital at night. Week days have our small clinic that is the VA contractor. What about folks like me? Where do I go?
    So far all the info I have gotten is that the Mission Act is not really going to help us in NW Montana. My VA contact person still getting run around by Spokane about this net work stuff. Hocus pocus talk like you get from Blue Cross Blue Shield when you want a straight answer.
    Why can’t you guys just give equal treatment via local clinics.
    For example I need glasses, mine are scratched up hard to work on things.. If I was part of the rest of the system in Montana and had my VA service in Kalispel (90 miles away) but lived here in Libby, I could get glasses through a local provider, and they get paid. But since I ‘m with the Spokane, WA system 140 miles away I have to go there for glasses. But if I trade off glasses for other care then I loose being able to go to my local contract VA clinic where I have gone for years. I don’t want to drive 180 miles for an appointment. But I’d sure like help on my glasses.
    Mission did nothing to help me out on this. Seems Washington continues to not get rural America.
    LMK what you think on this.

  44. SPC CLIFFORD E BLAKE July 3, 2019 at 23:21

    The VA in HINES Illinois has refused me the opportunity to use the newly passed FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAW know as the, Mission Act. I am in need of a dental procedure to remove a tooth protruding out of my month. This procedure is so obsolete in this VA, that I would have to put up with a full year of pain. When I could get a more modern procedure that would allow me to have it done in less time and much less pain and suffering. Please help me. I am a 70 year old Vietnam Combat Veteran, who is 100% Disabled by our Government. Thank you for your time and hopefully your help in this very important matter.
    SPC CLIFFORD E BLAKE
    Willow Springs IL

  45. Lawrence W Fegan July 3, 2019 at 22:49

    I have a concern and question on the new Mission Statement. I am a Vet receiving care at the Omaha, Nebraska facility. I have had issues with my back, knees and feet. I have had back surgery and knee replacement surgery on both legs. They claim my issues with my feet and legs is due to diabetic nuropithy, I disagree. The Omaha facility has worked very hard with me to find a possible solution as the doctors do not want to do any more back surgery. The Omaha facility dId not offer massage therapy at their facility. They had set me up with a massage therapist outside of the facility and the massage therapy does wonders for me. Now I am told that this option is no longer available and can not authorize any more sessions. Now the discomfort in my feet and legs is back and the solution to resolve my issues is no longer available. Please explain and what do you recommend to resolve my medical issues.

  46. Stan Lore July 3, 2019 at 22:29

    Your security question is 19 x 24. Are you sure it isn’t supposed to be 19 + 24? The answer block will accept no answer larger than 99.

    I just left a comment and question. When I pressed “Post Comment” the page reloaded with no message or other indication that my comment was accepted. It just disappeared. There is no way to read questions other submitted either.

    Am I missing something?

  47. Fred Rodgers July 3, 2019 at 22:28

    What proof is needed? VA identification card okay?

  48. John Petrichella July 3, 2019 at 22:26

    3. “Are there urgent care providers near me?” VA launched the urgent care benefit on June 6, 2019, and we are working to expand our network of urgent care providers, adding more every week. One would have thought too get those “Doctor” ducks in a row before making old promises new again.

  49. Stan Lore July 3, 2019 at 22:21

    CVS and Walgreens are healthcare providers? Do they have clinicians on site? I have never seen, nor heard of, a customer getting a wound debrided or stitched by a Walgreens employee. If they treat minor injuries then they must diagnose as well. Please explain how these two drugstore chains operate as healthcare providers,.
    Thank you

  50. jp romansic July 3, 2019 at 22:09

    You got to be shetin me, anything you have yo be a rocket scientist to figure out, and there many different answers and questions for a small problem, and their are lawyers of care you are gonna get a tube up your ase by adolf trump. Do you really believe these filthy rethuglicans will help you, if so you belong in a funny farm They will help you just like the tax cuts. The 1% get 90 % of the help you get and you get 10%.This is choice on steroids. Bitch, bitch, bitch ,bitch until we get what we need not the 1 %.

  51. Lewis Alfred Riley July 3, 2019 at 21:49

    Hi, I’m an Vietnam-Era veteran. I was recently given a blood test by my general practitioner, and he told me my PSA was elevated, so l should see a urologist.

    One of his assistants wrote out a referral form, so l could see a local urologist where l live, in Riverside, California.

    I called the urologist’s office to make an appointment, telling the person l was talking to that my PSA was elevated. She said the soonest the urologist could see me is in seven weeks, which seems like cruel-and-unusual punishment given the circumstances, and the fact I’m a hypochondriac.

    Can l see a urologist any sooner at a VA medical facility?

    Thanks for your time

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