Feb. 19, 2020

Now Active: VA Community Care Network

On February 18, 2020 by Roni Falck

The Community Care Networks (CCNs) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are now active. CCNs replace the Veterans Choice Program and are designed to expand the provider network and improve customer service for veterans and timeliness of payments for providers. Along with Veterans Care Agreements, the CCNs are the main vehicle through which VA pays non-VA providers.  

UnitedHealthcare/Optum will manage the CCN for Minnesota effective Feb. 19. Providers will work through them for reimbursement, billing and claims, but will continue to work with the VA to determine veteran enrollment and eligibility, referrals, authorization and reauthorization.

IMPORTANT STEPS TO FOLLOW

• Verify Identity and Eligibility Before Providing Care: Providers must verify a Veteran’s identity before providing care and ensure eligibility. An approved referral sent to the provider or the referral letter VA has sent the Veteran is proof of eligibility. Providers can also check eligibility online at www.vacommunitycare.com.
• All Services Require an Approved Referral from VA Before Claims Can Be Processed: Providers will receive a referral packet that authorizes care that includes a specified number of visits and/or services related to a plan of care. It is the responsibility of providers to ensure there is an approved referral before providing care or services to a Veteran.
• Electronic submissions are preferred for sending claims to Optum. Providers must submit claims on nationally recognized claims forms, including the CMS-1500, CMS-1450 and UB04. Claims must be submitted within 180 days from the date of service for outpatient care and submitted via www.myVACCN.com.

HELPFUL RESOURCES 

• Optum VA CCN Website: A comprehensive resource for everything providers need to know about CCNs, including provider manual, training videos, toolkits, documentation and more. Access the website at: www.vacommunitycare.com.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Access a step-by-step guide on registering and using the payment site at Claims Portal Guide. Providers may also reach out to the provider hotline with any questions: 844-839-6108.
• Optum Training Videos: Access self-service resources and education videos to help providers understand the new process. Access the videos here.
• CCN provider resources and updates:  https://provider.vacommunitycare.com/
• CCN claims portal:  https://www.myvaccn.com/

NEED ASSISTANCE – CALL THE HOTLINE

• Providers may also reach out to the provider hotline with any questions. Call 844-839-6108 to reach someone who can help.