The MISSION Act Community Care Program for Funding Rehab

Key Takeaways

• The MISSION Act overhauls veteran healthcare, improving access to services both within the VHA and through the Community Care Program.
• Under the MISSION Act, the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) replaces the Veterans Choice Program, expanding eligibility and access to care.
• Veterans must meet specific eligibility criteria to use the Community Care Program, including approval from the VA and the unavailability of services at VA facilities.
• The Community Care Program includes a new urgent care benefit, allowing veterans to access urgent and walk-in care services without pre-authorization.
• Eligibility for the Community Care Program is determined using the Decision Support Tool (DST) to simplify the process for veterans and VA staff.
• Veterans can receive rehab services from community providers through the Community Care Network (CCN) after meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining VA approval.
• The program covers a range of rehab services, including inpatient and outpatient care, specialized therapies, and substance misuse support.
• Challenges such as navigating eligibility criteria, cost concerns, and provider qualifications must be addressed to improve the program.
• Strategies to overcome these challenges include seeking assistance from VA representatives, advocating for clearer communication, and leveraging community resources.
• Success stories from veterans illustrate the positive impact of the MISSION Act Community Care Program on their rehabilitation and recovery.

The MISSION Act and Its Impact on Veterans’ Healthcare

The MISSION Act, formally known as the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, represents a significant overhaul of how healthcare is delivered to US veterans. Enacted on June 6, 2018, the act aims to improve veterans’ access to healthcare services, both within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and through the Community Care Program. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the MISSION Act facilitates timely and specialty care by partnering with non-VA healthcare providers.

Impacts of the MISSION Act

The act introduces substantial reforms, including:

• Consolidation of community care programs
• Expansion of eligibility for caregiver assistance
• Initiatives to recruit and retain top medical providers
• Infrastructure needs within the VA system

The Veterans Affairs News highlights that the MISSION Act also establishes six pathways for veterans to access community care, emphasizing the importance of meeting the medical interests of veterans for specific and complex conditions.

With the introduction of the Veterans Community Care Program under the MISSION Act, the Veterans Choice Program was phased out, marking a transition to a more integrated and flexible healthcare system for veterans. This transition is designed to ensure that veterans receive the care they need, when and where they need it, as stated by former VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

Exploring the Community Care Program Under the MISSION Act

The Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) is a pivotal aspect of the MISSION Act, which was established to provide veterans with more healthcare options and to streamline access to timely, high-quality care. The MISSION Act, passed on June 6, 2018, and implemented on June 6, 2019, ended the Veterans Choice Program and introduced the VCCP as a more integrated and comprehensive approach to community care for veterans. The VA’s official fact sheet outlines the improvements and processes introduced by the MISSION Act, aiming to enhance the healthcare system for veterans.

Key Components 

• Eligibility Expansion: This allows veterans to seek treatment outside of VA facilities under certain conditions, such as when the VA cannot provide the needed services or when there is a long wait time or travel distance to a VA facility. The final regulations published in the Federal Register detail these conditions, ensuring veterans have access to care when and where they need it.
• Urgent Care Benefit: Grants eligible veterans access to urgent and walk-in care services in the community. This addition addresses the need for immediate, non-emergency care without requiring pre-authorization, as highlighted by resources like the Military Officers Association of America.
• Decision Support Tool (DST): Assists both VA staff and veterans in determining eligibility for the Community Care Program swiftly, as mentioned in IDGA’s article. The DST is a testament to the MISSION Act’s commitment to simplifying and improving the healthcare experience for veterans.

Eligibility Criteria for Veterans Under the MISSION Act’s Community Care Program

The Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), established by the VA MISSION Act of 2018, outlines specific eligibility criteria for veterans seeking healthcare services, including rehab treatment. To be eligible, a veteran must first meet two initial requirements: they must have been eligible under the 40-mile criterion of the Veterans Choice Program before the enactment of the MISSION Act on June 6, 2018, and they must continue to reside in a location that qualifies under this criterion. Additionally, the VA has set forth six criteria under the MISSION Act that determine a veteran’s eligibility for community care:

• Veterans must receive approval from the VA before obtaining care from a community provider.
• The services a veteran needs are not available at a VA medical facility.
• There is no full-service VA medical facility in the state or US territory where the veteran resides.
• The veteran qualifies under the “grandfather”’ provision related to the VA’s 40-mile rule for Choice.
• The veteran faces an excessive burden in accessing care at a VA facility.
• Care in a VA facility is not in the best medical interest of the veteran.

These criteria ensure that veterans receive care that is accessible and meets their individual needs. The VA also provides flexibility under specific statutes, allowing for care in community settings even if a veteran does not meet the regulatory criteria. For more detailed information on eligibility and the Community Care Program, veterans are encouraged to consult the official VA resources or contact their local VA facility.

Determining Veteran Eligibility for the Community Care Program

Veterans seeking to determine their eligibility for the Community Care Program under the MISSION Act can follow a set of criteria outlined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, veterans must meet specific conditions, which are detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR Part 17). 

Eligibility Requirements

The key eligibility requirements include the need for care that is not readily available at a VA facility, residing in a state or territory without a full-service VA medical facility, or facing excessive travel burdens, among others.

Eligibility is not automatically granted; veterans must receive a referral from their VA Medical Center (VAMC) and may need to verify their eligibility status through the VA Community Care phone number at 877-881-7618. Additionally, veterans should consult with their VA care team or local VA medical facility staff to discuss their eligibility, especially due to changes or expiration of program criteria, as noted in VHA Notices. The VA’s website also provides resources that explain eligibility and how to access community care, including finding in-network community providers.

It’s important for veterans to be aware that eligibility for community care does not negate the option to choose care at a VA health facility. The Community Care Program is designed to complement the VA’s internal services, offering veterans more choices for their healthcare needs.

Using the Community Care Program for Veterans’ Rehab Services

The Community Care Program, established under the MISSION Act, allows eligible veterans to receive healthcare services, including rehab, from community providers outside of the VA system. To access these benefits, veterans must first meet eligibility criteria, which generally include being enrolled in VA healthcare or eligible without enrollment and, in many cases, obtaining prior approval from the VA.

For veterans located in Regions 1-5, joining the Community Care Network (CCN) involves partnering with either Optum or TriWest. Contact information for these entities varies by region, and providers must establish this partnership to offer services to veterans. Veterans seeking rehab services can then be referred to these community providers.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the Community Care Program is based on several factors, including the availability of services at VA facilities, specific needs, and circumstances of the veterans. There are six primary criteria for eligibility, which include situations where:

• The needed services are not available at the nearest VA facility
• VA facilities are not fully equipped to provide the necessary care

To navigate this process, veterans are advised to contact their local VA facility to determine their eligibility and understand the steps required to receive community care. The VA’s Community Care website and the Veterans Affairs publications provide detailed information on eligibility requirements and how to access care.

Once eligibility is confirmed, veterans can work with their VA healthcare provider to receive a referral to a community provider within the CCN, ensuring that their rehab treatment is covered under the Community Care Program.

How to Access Rehab Services Through the Community Care Program

Veterans seeking rehabilitation services can access care through the Community Care Program under the MISSION Act by following a structured process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help veterans navigate this program:

• Verify Eligibility: Confirm your eligibility for the Community Care Program. Eligibility is based on factors such as the availability of services at VA facilities, your specific health care needs, and whether you meet certain criteria under the MISSION Act.
• Receive VA Approval: Before receiving care from a community provider, obtain approval from the VA. This may involve an appointment with the VA to assess your health care needs and determine the appropriateness of community care.
• Find an Approved Provider: Once authorized, you can select a provider from the VA’s Community Care Network. Alternatively, VA staff can assist you in finding a suitable provider for your rehabilitation needs.
• Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment with the chosen community provider. Ensure that the VA is notified of your appointment so that they can coordinate with the provider and handle the necessary referrals and authorizations.
• Attend Rehab Services: Attend your scheduled rehabilitation sessions. The VA will work with your community care provider to manage your treatment plan.
• Communicate with VA: Maintain open communication with the VA throughout your treatment to ensure continuity of care and proper handling of any administrative requirements.

It’s important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances and the specific services required. Veterans can contact the VA for more detailed information and personalized assistance.

Rehab Services Covered Under the MISSION Act Community Care Program

The MISSION Act Community Care Program is a vital resource for veterans, granting access to healthcare services outside the VA system when VA care is unavailable. This encompasses a broad range of rehab services tailored to meet the diverse needs of veterans. The program is structured around eligibility criteria and the individual circumstances of veterans, ensuring that those who have served the country receive the care they need.

Rehab services covered by the Community Care Program can include, but are not limited to:

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Specialized therapies
• Support for substance use disorders. 

These services are delivered through the Community Care Network (CCN), which is divided into five regional networks providing a structured platform for veterans to receive care from community providers.

Additionally, services such as home and community-based services (HCBS), which aid in independent living and delay the need for nursing home care, are also accessible. This is particularly beneficial for elderly and disabled veterans who are functionally impaired and at risk of institutionalization. The program’s flexibility allows for an array of services to support veterans, ranging from physical rehabilitation to mental health and substance misuse treatments, aligning with the goal of the Administration for Community Living to enable individuals to live independently.

Challenges and Solutions for Using the Community Care Program for Rehab

Veterans seeking rehabilitation services through the Community Care Program may encounter several challenges, but there are actionable solutions to address these issues. 

Navigating Common Challenges in the Community Care Program for Veterans’ Rehab

As veterans seek to utilize the Community Care Program for rehabilitation services, they often encounter a range of challenges. 

• Navigating the eligibility criteria can be complex and requires approval from the VA before care from community providers can be obtained. 
• Concerns about the cost of community care potentially surpassing that of VA-delivered care may lead to the VA implementing cost controls that could restrict access to community care or increase cost-sharing for veterans.
• Ensuring that community providers are qualified and competent, as there have been instances where ineligible providers have been mistakenly allowed to participate in the program. 

This is compounded by the broader struggles veterans face, including mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders, which necessitate timely and specialized care that may not always be readily accessible through community providers.

Moreover, the transition from military to civilian life poses its own set of difficulties, with veterans facing high levels of stress and an increased risk of substance misuse. The need for support from family and friends, as well as the translation of military skills to civilian job markets, are additional hurdles that can impact a veteran’s ability to successfully navigate the Community Care Program. These challenges highlight the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the program to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve.

Strategies to Overcome Challenges in the VA Community Care Program for Rehab

Veterans facing challenges in accessing rehab services through the VA Community Care Program can consider several solutions to improve their experience. 

Look for Assistance from the VA

Veterans can seek assistance from VA representatives or veteran service organizations that are knowledgeable about the program’s intricacies and can provide guidance on navigating the eligibility and application process. 

Understand Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the specific eligibility requirements and availability of VA care is crucial, as outlined on the official Veterans Affairs website.

Promote Clearer Communication

Advocating for clearer communication and transparency regarding the program’s processes and timeframes can also be beneficial. This includes pushing for the publication of easily accessible materials, such as FAQs and fact sheets that describe community care improvements and expected timeframes. Public feedback mechanisms, like commenting on proposed regulations, offer another avenue for veterans to voice their concerns and suggest changes.

Use Other Community Resources

Leveraging community providers and resources can help veterans find alternative care options when facing difficulties with VA facilities. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) podcast on veterans’ health may provide additional insights into improving access to community care services. 

Keep Up to Date on Changes

Staying informed about new developments and changes to the Community Care Program is essential for veterans to take full advantage of the available resources and support.

Veterans’ Success Stories with the MISSION Act Community Care Program

Transitioning from military to civilian life can present unique challenges for veterans, particularly when it comes to accessing healthcare and rehabilitation services. The MISSION Act Community Care Program has been instrumental in providing veterans with the necessary support to overcome these barriers. This program allows veterans to receive treatment from community providers when VA services are not readily accessible. By analyzing multiple case studies, we can see the positive impact of the MISSION Act on veterans’ lives.

Case Study: PTSD and Substance Use Disorder

One notable case involved a veteran struggling with PTSD and substance use disorder. Initially, he faced difficulties receiving timely care through the VA system due to long wait times and limited availability of specialized services. Through the Community Care Program, he was able to access a high-quality rehabilitation facility that specialized in treating co-occurring disorders. The personalized care and comprehensive treatment plan he received led to significant improvements in his mental health and a sustained recovery from substance use.

Case Study: Gender-Specific Rehabilitation Services

Another case study highlights a female veteran who benefited from gender-specific rehabilitation services not offered at her local VA center. The Community Care Program facilitated her treatment at a private facility that provided the specialized care she needed, ultimately leading to her successful reintegration into civilian life.

These case studies exemplify the vital role of the MISSION Act Community Care Program in extending healthcare access to veterans, enabling them to receive timely and effective treatment. The program’s flexibility and focus on individual needs have proven to be key factors in successfully rehabilitating veterans across the United States.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Veterans at The Recovery Village Columbus

If you or a loved one are looking for veteran-specific help for addiction, we can help. The Recovery Village Columbus offers comprehensive trauma-informed substance use treatment. As a proud partner of the VA Community Network, we provide a veteran-specific treatment track and work with VA benefits. We also offer EMDR, a revolutionary new therapy to treat post-traumatic stress. Contact a Recovery Advocate today. They’ll guide you through the admissions process and help you navigate your VA benefits or insurance.