Schneck Medical Center in Seymour recently announced it is now a VA Community Care Network provider for veterans.

The new network serves as the direct link between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Schneck health care providers. Optum, part of UnitedHealthcare, will manage the network and process claims on behalf of VA.

“We feel a deep sense of privilege and honor as we partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help meet the health care needs of our local veterans,” said Warren Forgey, president and chief executive officer of Schneck.

As a VA Community Care Network, Schneck makes it easier for veterans to get specialized care when needed without having to travel.

To be eligible, a veteran must be enrolled in VA’s patient enrollment system and have an approved referral from VA for community care. The VA will provide a referral for a veteran to receive community care when services are not available at a VA medical facility, an appointment is not available at a VA medical facility within a certain time frame or the veteran lives too far away from a VA medical facility.

The veteran’s caregivers and family members are not eligible for the VA Community Care Network.

For information, call Schneck patient financial services at 812-522-0411.