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Mayo Clinic clarifies commitment to veterans through transition of the MISSION Act of 2018
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UPDATE 10-4-19
An interim agreement, effective Oct. 1, allows veterans currently being treated at Mayo utilizing an individual authorization to continue that care for the approved episode of care.
The MISSION Act of 2018 launched a new community care program for veterans, as administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This new program replaced the Veterans Choice and PC3 programs, which previously allowed veterans to seek care from non-VA providers with individual authorizations.
"Mayo Clinic has a long-standing history of caring for and supporting veterans," says Frank Nichols, M.D., Thoracic Surgeon and Physician Lead for Veterans Affairs Insurance Contracting. "While Mayo was not able to actively participate in the former community care programs due to infeasible administrative requirements, Mayo Clinic does have the privilege to serve tens of thousands of veterans each year."
Mayo provides this care utilizing various programs, such as individual authorizations issued by the VA; dual-insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance; and those served and attributed to charity care. Veterans will continue to be able to receive care under these circumstances; however, individual authorizations granted under the previous community care program will not be recognized or granted from the VA following the MISSION Act final implementation on Sept. 30, 2019.
As the VA programs transition, Mayo Clinic continues to assess the new program and is actively engaging the VA to identify possible short and long-term options -- these conversations are still ongoing. Veterans with questions about their specific situation should contact their VA Care Coordinator.
Additionally, here are points to address common questions:
- Veterans’ requests for care are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not Mayo Clinic. Mayo’s services are only covered under the VA benefit when they have been appropriately authorized by the VA.
- Mayo Clinic is actively discussing participation in the new community care program with the VA as well as options for interim services while those discussions are ongoing.
- An agreement has already been reached between Mayo Clinic and the VA for dialysis and hospice services in the new program, and we do not anticipate any interruption of care for those patients.
- Mayo Clinic has a long history of providing care to veterans and we appreciate the collaborative conversations that have been advancing with the VA.
