Community Care Changes: What Veterans Need to Know in 2025

Community Care Changes: What Veterans Need to Know in 2025

Written by Schuyler Swanton, Associate Advocate & Catherine Cornell, Senior Advocate

Thanks to updates made in 2025, it’s now easier than ever for veterans to access healthcare outside the VA system. The VA’s Community Care program connects eligible veterans with non-VA doctors and clinics, whether for convenience, access to specialists, or when VA care isn’t available or doesn’t meet quality standards.

In this post, we’ll break down who qualifies and how recent changes make getting care simpler.

What is VA Community Care?

Community Care is a program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs that allows veterans to receive medical treatment from non-VA healthcare providers when certain criteria are met.

Who Qualifies for Community Care?

You may be eligible if:

1. The VA doesn’t provide the care you need at any of its facilities.
2. You live in a location without a full-service VA hospital, such as:
   • Alaska (AK), Hawaii (HI), New Hampshire (NH), Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
3. You’re grandfathered in from the previous Choice Program based on the 40-mile rule.
4. The care you need isn’t available within VA access standards:
   • Primary, mental health, or extended outpatient care: Over a 30-minute drive or a 20+ day wait.
   • Specialty care: Over a 60-minute drive or a 28+ day wait.
5. You and your VA doctor agree that community care is in your best interest.
6. The VA care available doesn’t meet VA quality standards.

Big Change for 2025: Faster Access with One Approval

Previously, the MISSION Act required two separate approvals—one from your VA doctor and another from a VA reviewer.

But in 2025, Congress removed the second approval requirement. That means:

• Now only you and your VA doctor need to agree that community care is the best option.
• Veterans can access care faster and more easily without waiting for additional red tape.

Need Help Navigating VA Community Care? We’re Here for You.

At Veterans Help Group, we know the VA system can be confusing, especially when it comes to accessing the care you need and deserve. That’s why our experienced advocates are here to help you every step of the way, from confirming your eligibility to walking you through the referral process.

Whether you’re struggling to get timely care, need access to a specialist, or simply want to understand your rights as a veteran, we’re ready to assist. Contact us here or call us today at (800) 800-3332.

For additional information on getting a community care referral, please visit https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-get-community-care-referrals-and-schedule-appointments/

This article was reviewed and fact-checked by Catherine Cornell, Senior Advocate at Veterans Help Group, to ensure accuracy regarding 2025 Community Care updates and eligibility guidelines.

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