Ascension physicians and other caregivers can now provide care for veterans outside of the VA under specific guidelines. Veterans must meet eligibility requirements and have an authorization from Health Net or TriWest prior to receiving care.

The following information outlines eligibility requirements for veterans accessing the Veterans Choice Program and how Ascension providers can submit claims. It covers how to schedule appointments and the healthcare services available to veterans. In order to provide timely, quality care, providers must comply with clear access to care standards.

These resources are intended to guide Ascension caregivers who are serving veterans through the Veterans Choice Program. For information beyond what is provided here, providers should contact Health Net or TriWest for complete details, claims submission, processing requirements and other VA services.

Information on how to access the Veterans Choice Program was mailed to veterans in January 2015 — approximately 9 million veterans enrolled with the VA received information. Accessing the Veterans Choice Program through an Ascension provider is only permitted when the VA confirms that a patient meets the eligibility criteria:

• Live more than 40 miles from a VA facility OR 
• Be unable to get a VA appointment within 30 days of the preferred date, or within 30 days of the date determined medically necessary by their physician OR 
• Have a lack of available specialists AND
• Obtain VA and benefit approval prior to the visit

Use of the Veterans Choice Program is strictly voluntary. All veterans who qualify for VA healthcare can continue to receive care at a VA medical facility just as they have in the past.

For information on how veterans can receive a Veterans Choice Card, call 866-606-8198 or visit http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact.