Implementation of the Veterans Choice Program (VCP)
Abstract
In response to wait time manipulation allegations and access issues at many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the country, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA). On August 7, 2014, the bill was signed into law (P.L. 113-146, as amended). Section 101 of VACAA authorized the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) a temporary program that provides veterans the flexibility to receive medical care in the community if that is their preference. The VCP generally covers all medical care services, including diagnostic and laboratory tests, among others. Emergency care, dialysis care, and long-term nursing home care are not covered. The VCP is in addition to several existing statutory authorities that allow the VA to provide care outside of its health care system. Generally, these statutory authorities fall into three broad categories: (1) contracts to purchase care, (2) non-contracted medical care purchased on a fee for service basis from providers in the community, and (3) emergency care when delays may be hazardous to a veterans life or health.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1172084
Entities
People
- Sidath V. Panangala
Organizations
- Library of Congress