A major change that benefits veterans
If you’re a veteran who uses the VA’s community care program, there’s good news: starting now, you won’t need to go through the hassle of getting frequent reauthorisation to see private doctors in 30 medical specialties.
This new rule, announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), means that eligible veterans can receive 12 months of continuous care from private providers without having to request a new approval every few months.
What is the community care programme?
The VA Community Care Program allows eligible veterans to see private doctors and specialists outside of the VA health system when:
- The VA can’t provide the care in a timely manner
- The nearest VA facility is too far away
- Or if a specific service isn’t available at the VA
To use this program, a veteran must get a referral from their VA physician, and the VA facility must approve the care. In the past, that approval would expire after 90 to 180 days, meaning veterans would have to go through the process again just to keep seeing the same doctor.
What has changed now?
Under the new rule, which started this week, once you’re approved for community care in one of the 30 listed specialties, you’re covered for a full year. No more worrying about the referral ending after a few months.
This change provides:
- More stability in care
- Less paperwork for veterans and doctors
- Fewer delays in receiving treatment
As VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “No veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape.”
Why was this change needed?
Before this policy, many veterans had their care disrupted because the VA’s reauthorization rules were too strict.
Some examples:
- A veteran undergoing chemotherapy had his community care stopped with just two treatments left.
- Another veteran with cancer recurrence was denied nearby care.
These incidents raised serious concerns, especially among lawmakers like Senator Jerry Moran, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. He pointed out how strict reauthorisation rules hurt real people.
Concerns about VA funding
Some lawmakers, especially Democrats, have warned that expanding community care too much could reduce funding for VA hospitals.
They fear that:
- Too much reliance on private care could weaken the VA’s own services
- VA staff and doctors may have fewer resources to help veterans
- Veterans could end up with less coordinated care
Rep. Julia Brownley, a top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee, said that the system feels “chaotic” and that the VA should focus more on building up its internal care system rather than outsourcing too much.
Veterans still face challenges
Even with this helpful new rule, many veterans are still struggling to get the care they need.
Examples include:
- Long wait times for appointments
- Being referred to clinics far from home
- Referrals being denied without explanation
One veteran from the Tennessee Valley VA Health Care System said his supervisor denied his referral—and refused to give a written denial, making it impossible to appeal.
What specialities are covered?
Under this new one-year policy, veterans can now get uninterrupted care in 30 medical specialties, including many that are essential for long-term and chronic conditions.
Here is the full list of specialties:
- Cardiology (Heart health)
- Dermatology (Skin care)
- Endocrinology (Hormones & diabetes)
- Neurology and Otology (Brain, nerves, and hearing)
- Otolaryngology (ENT) (Ears, nose, and throat)
- Gastroenterology (Stomach and digestive health)
- Urogynecology (Women’s urinary and pelvic health)
- Addiction Psychiatry – Outpatient
- Family and Couples Psychotherapy – Outpatient
- Mental Health – Outpatient
- Nephrology (Kidneys)
- Neurology
- Nutrition Intervention Services
- Oncology and Hematology (Cancer and blood disorders)
- Neuro-Ophthalmology (Nerves related to vision)
- Oculoplastic (Eye surgery and cosmetic procedures)
- Eye Care Examination
- Optometry Routine
- Orthopedic Hand
- Orthopedic General
- Orthopedic Spine
- Pain Management
- Podiatry (Foot care)
- Podiatry DS (Diabetic foot care)
- Addiction Medicine – Outpatient
- Pulmonary (Lung health)
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
- Rheumatology (Arthritis and joints)
- Sleep Medicine
- Urology (Urinary tract and male reproductive system)
This list includes many of the most requested specialties by veterans.
How does this help?
This new policy helps veterans in many ways:
Saves time – No more reapplying every 90–180 days
Reduces stress – Peace of mind knowing your treatment won’t suddenly stop
Improves care – Consistent care means better health outcomes
Cuts paperwork – Less burden on veterans, VA staff, and private providers
Prevents disruption – Ensures smoother treatment for ongoing conditions like cancer, chronic pain, and mental health needs
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What should veterans do now?
If you’re already in the community care program or plan to use it soon:
- Contact your VA medical center’s community care office
- Ask whether your specialty care qualifies for the new one-year rule
- Check if your existing referral is affected
- Make sure your appointments are scheduled within the new timeframe
Veterans are also encouraged to speak with their VA care team if they have any concerns or are experiencing delays.
Final thoughts
This one-year reauthorization policy is a positive step for millions of veterans who depend on outside care. It will remove unnecessary delays and help ensure that important medical treatments continue without interruption.
While there are still issues to address—like denial of care and long wait times—this change proves that the VA is listening to veterans and working to improve the system.
If you or someone you know is a veteran, spread the word about this policy. It could make a huge difference in someone’s health and well-being.
Need more help or information?
📞 Contact your local VA facility’s community care office
📲 Visit www.va.gov for the latest updates
📣 Stay connected with VA news on social media or through veteran support groups
Veterans served their country. Now, it’s time for the system to serve them better.
