March 27, 2015

A rule change will now allow twice as many veterans to become eligible for a new VA program.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Mar. 25 that it is relaxing its determination of driving distance for eligibility in the Choice Program.

The Choice Program allows qualified veterans to receive health care outside of VA facilities. Veterans who live more than 40 miles away from the closest VA health care facility and have wait times of more than 30 days to see a VA physician are eligible. The VA only covers non-VA care for medical needs approved by a VA physician.

Driving distance will now be the determining factor in calculating the 40-mile rule. Previously, the department used a straight-line distance from a veteran’s home to the closest VA facility to determine eligibility.

From the beginning, the 40-mile rule has been a source of frustration among veterans, prompting members of Congress and organizations like MOAA to press for change.

“We’re grateful that the VA and Secretary Bob McDonald have taken this proactive step to help improve access to care for veterans,” said MOAA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations, Cdr. René Campos, USN (Ret).

Since the program was unveiled in November 2014, over 8.6 million Choice cards have been sent to eligible veterans, and more than 46,000 individuals have received authorizations for care, of which over 44,000 have scheduled for appointments.