In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a Veteran's place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately. The change roughly doubles the number of eligible Veterans. Letters are being sent to the newly eligible Veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under this expansion. If a Veteran does not remember receiving a Veterans Choice Card or has other questions about the Choice Program, they can call (866) 606-8198. VA is also changing the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel to the fastest route instead of the shortest route. For more information on the program, visit VA's Veterans Choice Program webpage at www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp.
For more on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
