By Freddy Groves

Veterans who get their medical care from civilian facilities need to keep an eye on what’s coming. In 2026 the contracts (originally signed in 2018) between the VA and community health plan networks are expiring. An RFP (request for proposal) has gone out to solicit new contracts.

Some changes are coming:
The five regions of VA health care are being reduced to two.

The new contracts will require the community providers to follow industry standards, which is shocking. Is that not already included in any contract to provide medical care to veterans?

At this point, 40% of veterans get their care from civilian providers. That will likely increase, as the new plan contracts will open the door for more providers.

Veterans who want to pursue getting medical care at a non-VA facility need to meet eligibility requirements:
• Must be enrolled in VA health care.
• Live in a state with no full-service VA facility.
• The care needed isn’t available through the VA.
• The VA can’t meet quality standards.
• Qualifies under the old Choice Program: a 30-minute drive (or 20-day wait) for VA primary care or 60-minute drive (or 28-day wait) for specialty care.

Remember that the two-step rule changed in 2025, and if your doctor agrees you need to see a civilian doctor, a second doctor doesn’t need to approve it. Depending on the care you need (there are 30 categories of medical care, such as cardiology and dermatology), you’ll likely be approved for one year.

Here’s where you come in, should you choose to do so. If you’re getting civilian care, will their network administrators be putting in a proposal for the next round of contracts? In other words, will you be able to continue getting care there? Do they know the deadline for their proposal is March 16? I would ask. This is part of being proactive in your own care … asking questions.
To learn more about community care, see https://www.va.gov/communitycare/.

Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Ciarra Norris, this story began in Moore, Oklahoma, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.

“Growing up in Moore taught me a strong sense of resiliency and dedication,” Norris said. “In the Navy, things are always changing, so you have to be prepared. Having resiliency and dedication helps you adapt to constantly changing environments.”

Norris graduated from Moore High School in 2020.

Norris joined the Navy three and a half years ago.

“I felt like I was stuck where I was at,” Norris said. “So, I joined the Navy to get out, meet new people, experience other cultures and have more job satisfaction.”

Today, Norris serves as a naval air crewman (avionics) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. Norris supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.

The TACAMO mission originated in 1961 when a Marine Corps aircraft was used to test the feasibility of an airborne Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system. Once the test was successful, funding for the program was granted, and it has continued to grow ever since.

The U.S. Navy’s presence on an Air Force base in a landlocked state may seem strange, but the position is strategic, allowing squadrons to quickly deploy around the world in support of the TACAMO mission.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

“I am most proud of becoming qualified and a second class petty officer, because it puts me in a better place to help those around me,” Norris said.

Norris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means endless possibilities for me,” Norris said. “It opens doors that I never even thought were possible.”

Norris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom, dad and grandparents for their endless support in everything I do and for giving me the confidence behind my decisions,” Norris added. • by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach -Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndron

their goals because that gives me a sense of purpose. It also shows that I am a part of something bigger than myself. Seeing others succeed is the best part of the job.”

Long serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means a tremendous amount to me,” Long said. “I didn’t have a lot of opportunities that others have when they graduate high school, and I don’t know what my path would have looked like without the military. I think about that a lot. I know the mindset and skills I have learned because of the military are unmatched.”

Long is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my wife, Marisol, for being there for me when times are hard,” Long. “She has been through lots of deployments and lots of taking care of the kids when I am away. I also want to thank our kids, Emily, Eva and Korra, for all the support they have given me over the years. It has been hard on them, but they always seem to make me laugh and keep me happy throughout the years. I want to thank the Chiefs Mess as well for allowing me to be a part of a world-class brotherhood and sisterhood. Lastly, I want to thank all of the junior sailors who have helped me get to where I am today.” • by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach -Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndro