WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a proposal to eliminate copayments for all telehealth services. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand healthcare services, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas, and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reduce healthcare costs for veterans.
The proposed policy includes the establishment of a grant program named Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS). This initiative seeks to fund the creation of telehealth access points in non-VA facilities, such as community centers and private businesses, providing veterans with convenient and private locations equipped with high-speed internet and necessary technology for remote consultations with VA healthcare providers. The grants will also allocate resources for training on-site personnel to effectively support veterans using these services.
These changes are part of the VA’s continuous efforts to improve access to VA healthcare services, which have been increasingly trusted by veterans and have shown better performance compared to non-VA healthcare systems. Recent developments include the nationwide availability of tele-emergency care, a reduction in wait times for new patient appointments in primary care and mental health, and the introduction of night and weekend clinics to accommodate more veterans. Additionally, the VA has waived copays for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year, further indicating its commitment to accessible mental health services.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Waiving copays for telehealth services and launching this grant program are both major steps forward in ensuring Veterans can access health care where and when they need it. VA is the best and most affordable care in America for Veterans — with these steps, we can make it easier for Veterans to access their earned VA health care.”
The proposed rule is available for public inspection in the Federal Register and will be open for comments starting Wednesday. Following the review period and finalization of the rule, the VA anticipates announcing a notice of funding opportunity for the ATLAS grant program. The initiative not only reflects an advancement in telehealth services but also represents a critical step towards equitable healthcare access for all veterans, particularly those in remote areas.
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