Let’s face it—when you’re sick or injured, the last thing you want is to drive hours to a VA Medical Center or wait for a scheduled appointment. The good news is that Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be eligible to use VA-authorized urgent care providers in their local communities. With more than 4,000 in-network locations nationwide, care might be closer than you think.
Who’s Eligible?
To use this benefit, two criteria must be met:
- You must be enrolled in VA health care, and
- You must have received care from a VA or in-network community provider within the past 24 months.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) to speak with someone who can help. You can also call the Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) at 866-414-5058, press 0, and ask for the eligibility/enrollment office.
When to Use Urgent Care. This benefit covers non-life-threatening medical needs – things like strep throat, a sprained ankle, a minor burn, or flu symptoms. If you’re facing a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
VA-authorized urgent care providers can treat minor illnesses and injuries and may offer on-site lab tests, x-rays, and basic procedures. You can usually get in and out faster than with an emergency room visit.
How to Use It. Before receiving care, make sure the provider is in the VA’s Community Care Network (CCN). If you visit an out-of-network clinic, you may be responsible for the full cost.
When you arrive:
- Confirm the clinic is in-network
- Show your Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)
- State that you’re using your VA urgent care benefit
- If requested, present the Urgent Care Billing Information Card, which is available at:
- www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/ programs/OCC-Billing-Information-Card. pdf
Save a copy to your smartphone or print one to carry with you.
To find VA in-network urgent care clinics and pharmacies, visit: www.va.gov/find-locations
Pharmacy and Billing Tips. If you’re prescribed medication, use an in-network pharmacy in the same region as your care visit. Bring your VHIC. You should not have to pay a copay for medications, flu shots, or COVID-19 vaccines provided during the urgent care visit.
Need Help? Veterans in Minnesota can call 888-901-6609 if they or the provider have questions about using this benefit.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
