01/21/2026
The VA has announced an update that strengthens access to community care for Veterans. New community care authorizations for select standardized services will now last 12 months, helping reduce reauthorization hurdles and support more consistent care.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced changes that will improve veterans’ access to health care by extending the length of new VA community care authorizations to one year for 30 standardized services. This policy update is a major step toward providing more consistent, uninterrupted health care for veterans.
Veterans referred by the VA for eligible standardized care will now have a full 12 months of uninterrupted treatment covered by the VA. This change eliminates the need for reauthorizations that previously occurred every 90 to 180 days for some specialty services.
The new policy is expected to reduce administrative burden on veterans, their caregivers and VA staff. It also ensures a more seamless care experience and a greater sense of continuity for those receiving treatment in the community.
Veterans with questions about this change are encouraged to contact their local VA medical center’s community care office.