Service Members are being restricted from Mental Healthcare Services that are not directly through an assigned VA - even through Care in the Community Programs. This puts our active military members and Veterans at risk for needless pain, suffering, and potential early death via suicide and substance abuse.

To improve access to care (to start), the goal is to show that the need for automatic prior authorization for those under Care in the Community Programs exists. For context, every year a Veteran is given primary care authorization at a clinic; there are 2 pages of automatic authorizations for radiology services. Any additional requests have to be applied for and CAN BE DENIED regardless of the provider deeming it is medically necessary.

On those 2 pages, the goal is to add all billing codes for counseling and psychiatrist services. 

I'm a rural health PA-C and work with numerous Veterans. It can take 3-8 months to be granted auth for counseling! Attaining this goal will negate this AND the VA only granting telehealth care or care AT the the assigned VA. Many don't have phones, computers or transportation-hence "Care in the Community" programs. These Veterans go without trauma care - potentially damaging lives, relationships, and families.

HELP! I have written President Trump and Biden without change. I'm trying to work with local and State governments. I need more voices! Let us hear yours! This is a call to action, a mission, and a labor of love.