fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
Donate Get Newsletter
Donate Get Newsletter
 

VA Proposes to Eliminate Copays for Telehealth, Expand Access to Telehealth for Rural Veterans

Tags

Details
On Monday, Veterans Day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a proposal to eliminate copayments for all VA telehealth services and establish a new grant program to fund VA telehealth access points in non-VA facilities, focusing on rural and medically underserved areas.
 

 These proposed changes are part of the VA’s and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reducing costs and broadening healthcare access for Veterans. The grant program, Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS), would support organizations—including nonprofits and private businesses—in setting up private, comfortable spaces equipped with high-speed internet and technology for Veterans to connect with VA providers remotely. The grants would also fund training for on-site personnel to assist Veterans with the telehealth program.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

This proposal is among VA’s ongoing efforts to expand healthcare access and improve service quality. Recently, the VA launched nationwide tele-emergency care, an essential step to enhancing emergency care access. This year, the VA also began waiving copays for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year, reduced wait times for primary care and mental health appointments, and increased the availability of night and weekend clinics.

“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 Secretary Denis McDonough said. “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 will be available for public inspection in the Federal Register tomorrow and will open for comments on Wednesday. The VA plans to publish a notice of funding opportunity for this grant program following the final rule’s publication.

For more information on VA telehealth, visit the VA Telehealth Services website.

More Stories Like This

Trump Administration Release New FY2026 Budget Details for Indian Country Health Care
Spirit Lake Reservation Addresses Water Quality Crisis with Emergency Distribution Plan
No Tobacco Day: May 31, As Endorsed by the World Health Organization
'We Will Not Be Erased' | Q&A with Charlene Aqpik Apok, Founder and Executive Director of Data for Indigenous Justice
New Charges Filed in Sweeping Medicaid Scam Exploiting Native Americans

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].