Veterans Speak Out: VA Health Care vs. Community Care

Authors: Nikky Greer, PhD; Allison Miller, PhD; Maria Regalado, MA; and Tara Fannon, PhD

Posted 09.24.24

The Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA’s) Community Care program is designed to provide Veterans with timely access to care. However, rapidly increasing program costs have drawn attention from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Congress.

Aptive collaborated with Mentor-Protégé partner Artemis ARC to survey Veterans and Service members from the Veterans Experience Council (VXC) about their decision-making criteria for choosing community care over VHA care.

This report presents quantitative and qualitative data on VXC member preferences and shares recommended tools and strategies VA could implement to encourage Veterans to return to VHA care.

Download the Report

The VA MISSION Act of 2018 expanded community care eligibility for Veterans based on need and travel distance — and included telehealth options. The act increases care by allowing Veterans to choose VA or local community providers and streamlines various community care programs into a single, simplified system, mandating that VA set new quality standards for external care to reduce wait times and expand access to Veterans, particularly those who are underrepresented and/or living in rural areas.

The VETERANS EXPERIENCE COUNCIL

The Veterans Experience Council (VXC) is comprised of more than 400 Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard Members and Reservists who serve as advisors and help improve the services Aptive and Artemis ARC provide to the Veteran community through philanthropic, corporate and client engagements.

Learn More.