How We Work with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network (CCN) was created in 2018 to provide a direct link between the VA and providers in communities throughout the nation.

The development of the CCN was part of a VA modernization effort, with the goal of ensuring that veterans have timely access to quality care. With the creation of the CCN, veterans can now receive care from authorized providers within the community, as well as from VA facilities.

The CCN, which is organized into six regional networks, includes thoroughly vetted treatment providers for residents of all 50 states and all U.S. territories.

To promote accountability, transparency, quality service, and effective communication, the VA contracted with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) to develop and administer the six regional networks.

The VA awarded contracts to Optum Public Sector Solutions, Inc. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance to serve as TPAs for five of the six CCN regions.

The VA has not yet awarded a contract for the administration of Region 6, which includes American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Optum Public Sector Solutions, Inc., which is commonly referred to as Optum, is part of UnitedHealth Group.

In 2018, Optum received a contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) for three regions in the VA’s Community Care Network.

Optum is the TPA for Regions 1, 2, and 3. These regions include states in the northeastern, southeastern, and central areas of the United States, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which is often referred to as TriWest, was created in 1996 to support active-duty service members, retirees, and dependents who were seeking healthcare services through TRICARE.

In 2019, TriWest Healthcare Alliance received the VA contract to serve as the Third-Party Administrator for Region 4 of the Community Care Network. Region 4 includes 12 states in the western half of the continental United States, plus Hawaii.

In 2020, the VA awarded TriWest the TPA contract for Region 5, which covers Alaska.

The SRU team includes a nationwide network of military liaisons who can help active-duty service members, veterans, retirees, and eligible family members navigate the Community Care Network and connect them with the treatment programs that best meet their specific needs.

With liaisons strategically located in communities throughout the United States, the SRU team is uniquely prepared to connect all members of the military community with trusted providers of quality mental and behavioral healthcare services.

SRU military liaisons also have considerable experience with the policies and procedures of the CCN, which allows them to provide comprehensive information, guidance, and support to individuals and families who are seeking treatment.

To learn more about the CCN, or to find treatment for mental or behavioral health concerns, use the map on the main SRU page to find the military liaison closest to you.