MedExpress is proud to be a VA authorized urgent care provider* and offer our urgent care services to Veterans. We understand that new medical policies can be confusing, frustrating, and unfamiliar. But we’re here to help you understand how we can care for you, and to help answer some of your biggest questions.
Question #1: What Does the MISSION Act Mean for Veterans?
Answer: The MISSION Act, passed on June 6, 2019, gives Veterans the option to visit urgent care centers that are within the Veterans Affairs' (VA) network of community providers, such as MedExpress.
Eligible Veterans can go to an urgent care center for certain same-day services and treatments. Urgent care centers are a great option for fast, non-emergent care—you’ll typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, too.
Question #2: Can Veterans Get Urgent Care Treatment at MedExpress?
Answer: MedExpress is now an approved urgent care provider within the VA’s network. For over 17 years, we’ve provided quality care in a warm, welcoming environment and now we're honored to be able to extend that care to you, our Veterans. If you are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system and have received medical care from a VA provider, or an approved community provider within the last 24 months (two years), you can visit your local MedExpress center for urgent care services and treatments. Just walk in, let us know you are using your VA urgent care benefits, and we’ll do the rest, including verifying your benefits and helping you feel better fast. MedExpress has convenient hours and a full medical team who can provide Veterans the care they need when they're feeling under the weather.
Question #3: What Services and Treatments Can Veterans Receive at MedExpress?
Answer: The MISSION Act introduced new Veterans benefits, allowing them to receive urgent care services for everyday illnesses and injuries such as:
- Cold, flu, and other viral illnesses
- Bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma
- Ear, throat, and sinus infections
- Rashes, poison ivy, and allergic reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
- Fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
- Minor surgical procedures and stitches
- Cuts, scrapes, and splinters
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of urgent care services that Veterans can receive, MedExpress can treat these injuries and illnesses onsite, including performing X-rays in select locations.
At this time, the MISSION Act doesn’t cover preventative care – such as vaccines, immunizations, physicals, and wellness checks – or dental services. If Veterans do receive these services from MedExpress or any other urgent care, they may be required to pay for those services out-of-pocket.
Please note, Veterans can visit MedExpress or another urgent care for their annual flu shot, which is available at no cost through VA benefits for all eligible Veterans, regardless of priority group.
Question #4: Will VA Benefits Cover a Visit to MedExpress?
Answer: The Priority Group number designates a Veteran's level of urgent care coverage.
You can call the VA Health Resource Center at 1-877-222-8387 for questions about your urgent care coverage, or contact your local VA medical facility for more information. To learn more about your priority group, click here.
Question #5: Do Veterans Need an Appointment or Referral to Visit MedExpress?
Answer: The MISSION Act policy provides open access to MedExpress and other urgent care providers, allowing Veterans to walk into their local center to receive urgent care — with no referral or authorization from the VA needed. Simply let us know that you’re using your VA benefits and we’ll verify your eligibility and get you on your way to feeling better fast.
Question #6: Can MedExpress Write Prescriptions for Veterans?
Answer: Yes, MedExpress can write prescriptions for medication that may be needed to treat your condition for up to a 14-day supply. For more information about VA pharmacies that can fill these prescriptions, click here.
Question #7: Are Veterans' Family Members Eligible for Urgent Care Benefits?
Answer: Currently, family members, including spouses, do not qualify for urgent care benefits under the MISSION Act. However, MedExpress accepts most major insurances and offers affordable self-pay options for those without insurance.
Question #8: Will Veterans Need to Pay MedExpress Directly for Their Visit?
Answer: No, the VA will bill Veterans if there is a co-pay. Just let us know you’re using your VA benefits when you arrive and we will bill your insurance directly for the services that you receive.
New medical policies can often be confusing and frustrating, but they don’t have to be. MedExpress is here to help Veterans feel better fast and to help them understand the full scope of Veteran urgent care benefits provided under the MISSION Act. We look forward to serving you in one of our neighborhood centers, wherever and whenever you need us. For more information about the MISSION Act, visit the VA's website.
*VA healthcare enrollees do not require a referral or prior authorization and can receive urgent care at any VA authorized urgent care provider. Some restrictions may apply. Please contact your insurance provider for details regarding your specific plan.