VA Community Care Network (VACCN) for Mental Health & Addiction

How Does the VACCN Work?

The VA Community Care Network—sometimes referred to as the Veterans affairs community care program—operates through a sophisticated system designed to seamlessly connect veterans with the care they need. The network consists of carefully vetted healthcare providers that are organized into six regional networks covering all 50 states. To participate in the network, providers must meet strict quality and accessibility standards, ensuring veterans receive the highest level of care possible.

The process for accessing care through the VACCN typically follows these steps:⁶

• Find an in-network VACCN provider to suit your needs. Either search for a provider (e.g., Apex Recovery) yourself, or ask your VA health care team for help if you can’t find a provider or if the one you want to visit isn’t in your network.
• Get a referral from your VA health care team. In order for treatment to be covered, the VA needs to provider a referral. Once you contact your care team, they’ll review your eligibility, confirm the type and location of care you want to receive, and prepare your referral if approved. (This process usually takes 14 days or fewer.)
• Schedule the appointment. Once you have the referral, you can schedule the appointment yourself or ask your VA care team to assist you. The VA asks that you notify a rep within 14 days if you schedule your own appointment so they can better coordinate services through your chosen VACCN provider.
• Look for your authorization letter. Once you schedule an appointment, the VA will send you an authorization letter that provides insights into what’s covered and what happens next. The letter will offer important details such as:
  • Authorization number
  • Details on your selected provider
  • Treatment descriptions
  • Duration of time you can obtain care without another referral
• Go to your appointment (or check in with the SUD treatment facility). The VA will share any pertinent medical records directly with the facility.
• Continue with care and secure any necessary referrals. Once care is approved, you can schedule follow-up appointments or various levels of SUD care directly with the provider as outlined in your authorization letter. Keep in mind, all covered services will be listed in your authorization letter, as will the need for any additional referrals. So refer to it as you progress through treatment.

As a side note, some people confuse VACCN with an insurance program. When in fact, there is no such thing as VACCN insurance. However, VACCN benefits paired with private health insurance may prove doubly beneficial, as the duo can provide valuable flexibility and coverage options.

The VA can bill your private insurance for non-service-connected conditions, and you can use VA health care benefits in conjunction with other health coverage plans like private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. This dual coverage ensures comprehensive healthcare options while helping support the VA healthcare system’s resources.⁷