By DEBRA VAUGHN

In the past, veterans on Whidbey Island who needed to get to the Veterans Affairs hospital had to drive to the outpatient clinic in Mount Vernon — or farther.

Now veterans here have another choice, thanks to the Veterans’ Choice Program, which provides care from non-VA providers if they face long waits  (defined as more than 30 days) for care or live more than 40 miles away from VA care.

“This is a significant development considering transportation limitations and the challenge of travel to the community-based outpatient clinic in Mount Vernon, the Seattle VA hospital and even farther to American Lake VA facilities,” said Dana Sawyers, Veteran’s Service Coordinator for Island County.

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 in part establishes a temporary program to improve veterans’ access to health care outside the VA system. The VA will provide a Choice Card to all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system as of August 2014 and to recently discharged combat veterans.

In Island County there are multiple providers in primary care, women’s health and behavioral health, Sawyers said.

That list is growing. Go to www.va.gov/opa/apps/locator to find a provider. If the one you wish to visit isn’t on the list, she suggested calling the Choice Program call center at 866-606-8198.