More Vets To Qualify For Private Health Care After Rule Change

The Washington Post: VA To Change 40-Mile Rule For Veterans Choice Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday announced plans to relax the agency’s rule on how far patients must live from the nearest VA medical center before the government pays for treatment at a closer private facility. Under the original guidelines, veterans had to reside at least 40 miles in a straight shot, or as the crow flies, from the nearest VA clinic. The new guideline will instead measure the distance in driving miles, as calculated by commercial mapping services such as Google Maps and Mapquest. (Hicks, 3/24)

The Wall Street Journal: VA Makes It Easier For Veterans To Get Care Outside System
The Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday changed its interpretation of a law after months of criticism from Congress and veterans groups, making it easier for veterans to get health care outside of the VA system. Under a federal law passed in 2014 known as the Veterans Choice Act, veterans forced to wait longer than 30 days for an appointment, or who have to travel more than 40 miles to a VA facility, are eligible to get appointments outside of the VA system. (Kesling, 3/24)

The Associated Press: VA Says It Will Relax 40-Mile Rule For Private Medical Care
The VA said it will now measure the 40-mile trip by driving miles as calculated by Google maps or other sites, rather than as the crow flies, as currently interpreted. The rule change is expected to roughly double the number of veterans eligible for the VA’s new “Choice Card” program. The change could add billions of dollars in annual costs as tens of thousands of new veterans receive private medical care, which typically costs more than traditional care at VA hospitals and clinics. (Daly, 3/24)