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Commenting yesterday on the proposed rule for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Community Care Program, AHA said the rule “will provide continuity for veterans to access care outside of VA’s medical network and decrease confusion about eligibility criteria and covered services.” The letter adds, “We believe a strong partnership between America’s hospitals and health systems and VA is essential to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the health care they need and deserve. Our member hospitals and health systems stand ready to work with VA to implement the forthcoming Veterans Community Care Program to care for veterans who have sacrificed for our country and deserve the best possible timely care in their communities.” The AHA-supported MISSION Act of 2018 requires the agency to consolidate its existing community care programs into this new program by June. The rule proposes the criteria for determining when covered veterans may elect to receive necessary hospital, medical and extended care services from non-VA entities or providers under the program.