VA Choice Program Will Impact Local Veteran’s Health Care

The Veteran’s Health Administration is enhancing the Veteran’s Choice Program by incorporating new eligibility changes which address unusual or excessive burdens veterans may face in order to receive VA care. The changes will impact portions of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and clinics located in Lamar, La Junta, Burlington and Salida.

Under this change, veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and live less than 40 miles driving distance may be able to qualify for Choice for a specific episode of care. Burdens may include geographic challenges, environmental factors, medical conditions and the nature of some care.  Veterans requesting for a specific episode of care to be considered under the Unusual and Excessive Burden criteria may inquire with their VA primary of specialty care provider.

Also, any veteran who is enrolled at a VA site that does not have a full-time primary care physician, regardless of the Veteran’s driving distance, is eligible for health care services under the 40 mile provision of the Choice Program. ECHCS clinics without a full-time primary care physician are:  Lamar, La Junta, Burlington and Salida.  Veterans interested in enrolling in the Choice Program can call the program center at 866-606-8198 to set up an appointment.