Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
VA facilities too far away? A new pilot program allows veterans to use private urgent care instead
Veterans can now access private urgent care clinics if VA facilities are too far away in a pilot program in Antelope Valley
(
Photo by Jasleen Kaur via Flickr Creative Commons
)
Listen
0:54
VA facilities too far away? A new pilot program allows veterans to use private urgent care instead
Getting veterans the medical care they need quickly and efficiently has been a political goal in Washington for years.
Last week Congress passed a bill to streamline the VA's community care programs, including Veterans Choice, which lets veterans use private medical care if the VA is too far away or wait times are too long. The VA Mission Act is awaiting President Trump's signature.
A new pilot program that could provide a glimpse into how private clinics may supplement VA care officially rolled out in the Antelope Valley on Thursday.
The Convenient Care Initiative allows veterans to visit local urgent care clinics for things like cuts, sprains, sore throats, or infections - mostly off hours and on weekends when nearby VA care is unavailable.
Rep. Steve Knight (R-Lancaster) said he secured the program for Lancaster, Palmdale and Bakersfield because transportation to VA care in metro Los Angeles can be difficult for local vets. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) also spoke at the event at Heritage Sierra Medical Group, one of the participating clinics.
Veterans must to be signed up with the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System and to call a VA triage nurse hotline to get authorized. That number is 877-252-4866.
Sponsored message
If there's enough demand, Knight said the Convenient Care Initiative could be expanded to other communities.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
