Vets urgent care benefits expanded to include Aspirus

LAURIUM — Visits to Aspirus urgent care clinics or walk-in locations in Upper Michigan and Wisconsin are now covered for eligible veterans through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Community Care Network (VA CCN).
The VA CCN urgent care benefit in Michigan and Wisconsin is currently administered by OPTUM, part of UnitedHealth Group, and makes access to high-quality care easier and timelier for the best outcomes. While veterans can still receive care at their VA facility, having the option to visit an urgent care clinic close to home takes the hassle out of traveling long distances.
“We are truly honored to provide our veterans more care options,” said Jesse Tischer, Aspirus Senior Vice President, Regional Markets, and Interim President, Aspirus Wausau Hospital. “They have done so much for our country and we give our heartfelt thanks to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made.”
The urgent care benefit covers injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention, but are not life-threatening, such as:
• Cold and flu
• Ear infection
• Minor injury
• Skin infection
• Pink eye and strep throat
• Flu shot
Preventive and dental services are excluded.
Veterans can verify eligibility by calling 884-698-2311 or by checking the secure Veterans portal at https://vacommunitycare.com/
To locate an in-network urgent care facility using the VA CCN urgent care provider and location directory, veterans can go online to https://www.va.gov/find-locations. Veterans who are not eligible for the urgent care benefit are asked to contact their home VA medical center by phone or in person.