VA Expands Patient-Centered Community Care

VA Expands Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) Contracts to Provide Access to Primary Care

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that primary care has been added to the services available to Veterans through VA’s Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) contracts, a key and evolving part of the non-VA medical care program.  Eligible Veterans are already able to access inpatient specialty care, outpatient specialty care, mental health care, limited emergency care and limited newborn care for female Veterans following childbirth under PC3.

“With the addition of primary care services, VA Medical Centers can now use PC3 to provide additional types of care in order to reduce wait times,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald.  “This modification is another example of how we are working to ensure Veterans get the care they need, when they need it and where they want to be seen.”

This modification supports VA’s Accelerated Care Initiative, helping to move Veterans off of waitlists and into care. Additionally, reduced commuting standards will require that contracted providers schedule appointments closer to the Veterans’ homes.

The initial PC3 contracts were awarded in September 2013 to Tri-West and HealthNet and have been used as part of the non-VA medical care program to purchase care in the community.

“PC3 is part of the overall non-VA medical care program,” said Dr. Carolyn A. Clancy, VA’s Interim Under Secretary for Health.  “We look forward to expanding our ability to provide timely access to health care services to our Veterans.”

VA Medical Centers have the ability to purchase non-VA medical care for Veterans through contracted medical providers when they cannot readily provide the needed care due to geographic inaccessibility or limited capacity. This additional option is available to purchase non-VA medical care when required Veteran care services are unavailable within the VA medical facility, or when Veterans benefit from receiving the needed care nearer to their homes. In addition, VA is reviewing how PC3 may be used to help implement the newly enacted Veterans Choice, Access, and Accountability Act of 2014.

Through PC3, Veterans can expect to receive high-quality health care that is coordinated with their VA providers. For more information on PC3, visit http://www.nonvacare.va.gov/PC3/index.asp.

VA Health Care: Apply Now

VA Health Care Enrollment Process 

   Veterans are now eligible for a comprehensive health care package that is completely portable across the entire VA health care system. To receive health care, most veterans must be enrolled first.

   In 2009 federal regulations were changed to enable VA to enroll certain Priority Group 8 veterans who applied for enrollment and who may have been previously denied enrollment in the VA health care system because their income exceeded VA's income thresholds. These Veterans may now qualify if their household income does not exceed the current VA income thresholds by more than 10%. To see if you are eligible and to access a calculator to see how you stand against the income thresholds, visit www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/AnnualThresholds.asp.      If you have any enrollment or eligibility questions, you may call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Application Process

To apply for VA health care benefits, including enrollment you must fill out an application for enrollment, VA Form 10-10EZ. You may obtain this form by one of the following means:

• Online - Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits.
• By Telephone - Call toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387)
• In Person - Complete the "Application for Health Benefits" at your local VA. Find a VA medical center.

The VA uses the 10-10EZ application to determine if you have qualifying service as a veteran and your status so you can be placed into one of the Enrollment Priority Groups.

Once enrolled you will remain enrolled without having to reapply for benefit annually. However, some veterans will need to update their financial information yearly to keep their enrollment priority current. VA will contact you when or if it is necessary to update their financial information.

The VA has a quick two-question form to help you determine your if you qualify for VA health care. Visit the VA Health Care Page to get started.

New Law Opens VA Health Care to Some Priority Group 8 Vets

   A recent change in the laws governing VA health care provides VA additional funding to allow expanded enrollment opportunity for certain Priority 8 Veterans who may have been previously denied enrollment in VA's health care system because their income exceeded VA's national and geographically-adjusted means test thresholds.

   The new regulations took effect on June 15, 2009 and enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to relax income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. You may be eligible for enrollment under this new provision, even if you have been denied coverage in the past.

   A Veteran applying for enrollment on or after June 15, 2009, who does not qualify for a higher priority group and whose income exceeds VA's national and geographically-adjusted means test threshold by 10% of less will be placed in Priority Group 8b (if the Veteran is non-compensable 0% service-connected) or 8d (if the Veteran is nonservice-connected) and enrolled in the VA health care system. This new financial threshold is referred to as the "Enrollment threshold."

Your Next Step:
If you applied after Jan. 1, 2009 simply wait for the VA to contact you after their re-evaluation period.

If you originally applied for VA health care prior to Jan. 1, 2009 you should visit the VA Health Care Calculator to determine if you are eligible under the new Priority Group 8 guidelines.

Complete and submit VA Form 10-10EZR, Health Benefits Renewal form to have your eligibility for health care enrollment reassessed against the new "Enrollment threshold."

If you need assistance contact VA's Health Resource Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387); or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility/.

Crisis Line for Veterans Who Need Help Fast

    When as veteran in a crisis situation and needs help, there is a place to turn. The VA has established the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1. You can also send a text message to 838255.  This service is available 24/7 365 days a year.
 
   The Veteran Crisis Line is staffed with well trained  counselors - many are Veterans - who understand what Veterans have been through and the challenges they face coping with day to day survival.
 
   Depressed, homeless, can't find work, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, this is the number to call for help. All calls are confidential and there is even support for the deaf and hard of hearing. If you have a computer available, log into www.veterancrisisline.net. You can start a chat online.
 
   What help is available through these numbers? The beauty of the service is that whatever the problem is, there are resources available. PTSD, depression, thoughts of suicide, these are problems that people don't understand unless they have been there. That is why the Crisis Line is so valuable. Call and talk to someone who understands.
   
   Can't find a job? The Crisis line will point you in the right direction. Also your state's Dept. Of Veterans Affairs and Employment Offices should have a staff members that specialize in helping vets find employment. A goal of the VA and state DOV's  is to find employment for as many Veterans as possible.
     
   Homeless and can't find a place to live. The counselors can connect you with resources in your area that can help you obtain aid and housing. The Natl. Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-424-3838 is another resource that can help vets and their families with housing and medical help. Federal, state, community partners, local agencies and county veteran service officers partner to get Veterans the help they need.
   
   Remember:
               Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1
               Natl. Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-424-3838

   I highly recommend that if you are not in the VA Health Care system, apply as soon as possible. It is simple. Complete a 10-10EZ (a two page form) and have a copy of your discharge. You can mail them to:                                    
                                     Health Eligibility Center
                                     2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
                                     Atlanta, GA 30329
   Or take the form and discharge to your closest VA medical facility for processing. You can find the addresses on www.va.gov.                                  
 

If you feel lost and don't know where to turn, call. You have to start some place. Veteran families and friends are encouraged to also call to help their loved ones.

   If you have questions, feel free to email me. jguglielmi@henryco.net






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VA Healthcare: Everyone Should Apply

      As veterans from past conflicts age, they come into my office asking if the Veterans Administration can health with medications and medical care. I encourage all vets to at least apply. Even if your present insurance is good, things might change down the road. There are VA Clinics and Medical centers around the country and more are being built or upgraded. All you need is a copy of your DD-214 (discharge) and a completed 10-10EZ. You can go to www.va.gov and type the form number in the search box in the upper right. It will give you the option to print the form or file online. You can also check with your county Veteran Service Office or your state Department of Veteran Affairs for more information.
    
     Last year I had a Vietnam vet ask about help with expensive heart meds he was taking and if the VA could help. His discharge stated he had a Purple Heart. An Army medic, he was wounded when his chopper was hit when they were going in to pick up wounded. He was completely cover and we had him in the system in no time.

      The VA web site states: The VA has developed a Veterans Health Benefits Guide to provide Veterans general information about the VA Medical Benefits Package. The information in this Veterans Health Benefits Guide reflects the benefits and services available to enrolled Veterans at the time it was published. Since VA policies are governed by law, changes to programs or eligibility may occur. If you have questions, contact the Enrollment Coordinator at your local VA health care facility or call us at 1-877-222- VETS (8387).