https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans'_Access_to_Care_through_Choice,_Accountability,_and_Transparency_Act_of_2014#Provisions_of_the_bill
Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014
Veterans who live over 40 miles away from the nearest VA health clinic or who are unable to get an appointment in a reasonable time frame would be able to receive "choice cards" allowing them to seek treatment from a non-VA facility.[1] This would be a pilot program lasting for two years.[19] Veterans would be allowed to go to other providers that accept Medicare, the military's health program TRICARE, or at facilities run by the United States Department of Defense.[19]
I'm aware. The program sucked and was replaced. Period.