By Wesley Gallagher

If you’ve served in the US military, you’ve likely benefitted from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in one way or another over the years. The VA provides healthcare in all its forms to millions of veterans in its facilities throughout the United States.

While the VA offers a wide range of healthcare options to veterans, there are still situations where they may be unable to provide what you need in a timely or convenient manner. Fortunately, the 2018 VA MISSION Act was implemented to ensure that veterans get the healthcare they need from outside providers if VA facilities are not able to supply it.

What Is the MISSION Act?

Officially called the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act, the MISSION Act serves to expand access to healthcare for veterans and improve the quality of care they receive. As the name suggests, the goal of this law was to strengthen and streamline veterans’ ability to access care in the community, or outside of VA healthcare facilities.

Before this law went into effect, many veterans had trouble receiving the quality care they needed in a timely manner. The VA often has long wait times for appointments, and not all veterans live close to a VA facility. Additionally, the VA isn’t always equipped to provide the specialized treatment that some veterans require. With the MISSION Act in place, veterans can see providers who are part of the VA’s Community Care Network if they are unable to obtain proper medical attention at a VA facility.

The Community Care Network is a consolidation of the VA’s previous community care programs, including Veteran’s Choice. This streamlining of services makes the process of accessing non-VA care much easier. The MISSION Act also improved communications between community providers and the VA, allowing for more integrated care between VA and non-VA facilities, and ensuring that prices for community care are commensurate with VA services.    

Who is Eligible?

So how do you know if you qualify to receive community care through the MISSION Act? According to Veteran.com, you may be eligible if your situation meets the following criteria:

• You need a service not available at a VA facility
• You live in an area without a full-service VA medical facility
• You are eligible for the “grandfather” provision under the Veterans Choice Program
• The VA is unable to offer care that meets average drive-time standards (usually 30 minutes for primary care and 60 minutes for specialty), and appointment wait-times (usually 20 days for primary, mental health, and extended care; 28 days for specialty)
• Situations where community care is in your best medical interest
• When a VA medical service doesn’t meet quality standards

Any medical care you receive will need to be pre-approved by the VA, and eligibility is decided on a case-by-case basis. So be sure to talk with your local VA before seeking outside healthcare.

Mental Healthcare Under the Veterans MISSION Act

While there has long been a stigma surrounding mental health in the military, recent years have brought mental health to the forefront and shone a light on the needs of civilians and veterans alike.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the condition most commonly associated with veterans, and indeed, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 11-30% of veterans of various wars have suffered from PTSD. But many veterans are also plagued by substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and other mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Suicide rates are higher among veterans than the general population, as well. And their unique experiences both inside and outside of combat often require specialized, trauma-informed care.

Fortunately, mental health and substance abuse treatment are included under the MISSION Act. Veterans in need of treatment can seek care at a VA facility, an urgent care or walk-in facility, virtually, or with an approved private treatment center that takes VA health insurance. Services that may be covered for eligible individuals include medical detox, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), outpatient rehab or therapy, and ongoing support after rehab.

With the implementation of the veterans MISSION Act, you now have more freedom in choosing what healthcare you receive with your VA benefits. And particularly if you need specialized care for something like trauma or mental health, you aren’t limited to what your local VA can offer.

The Meadows Cares About Veterans

If you or a veteran you know needs mental health or substance abuse treatment, The Meadows is here to help. We have a long history of providing inpatient treatment for veterans and active-duty military, and we are proud to partner with the VA to give you the care you need to get well. Contact us or your local VA for more information or to get started on the referral process today.