Digital Divide Consult
If you don’t have internet access or an internet-connected device, your VA care team can help.
Through the Digital Divide Consult process, your VA provider can refer you to a VA social worker. The social worker can determine whether you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth.
For more information about the Digital Divide Consult, talk with your VA provider.
VA Internet-Connected Devices
If you don’t have a device with internet access, VA can lend you an internet-connected tablet so you can reach your VA care team through telehealth. The Digital Divide Consult can help determine if you are eligible.
For more information, talk with your VA provider about the Digital Divide Consult. Click here to read how VA provided a new tablet for a Veteran’s telehealth care.
Use VA Video Connect Without Data Charges
VA has partnered with AT&T, SafeLink by TracFone, T-Mobile, and Verizon to help Veteran subscribers avoid data charges when using VA Video Connect on a mobile device. This enables Veterans to access their VA care teams through telehealth with fewer worries about data fees.
Visit the VA Mobile website to learn more about the mobile carrier programs and VA Video Connect.
Telehealth Sites in Your Community
Through ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations), VA is bringing telehealth care into Veterans’ communities. ATLAS sites are comfortable, private spaces for Veterans to have video appointments with their VA providers. VA has teamed up with public and private organizations, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Walmart to create ATLAS sites in select areas of the country.
To see if there is an ATLAS site near you, visit the ATLAS webpage.
Internet and Phone Service Discounts
You may be eligible to receive a discount on your home internet or phone service through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline program.
Not sure if you qualify? The Digital Divide Consult can help determine your eligibility for this program.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides discounts on your phone or internet bill. If your household is eligible, you can receive up to $9.25 per month off phone, internet, or bundled services. Residents of qualifying tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $34.25 per month.
You can take part in Lifeline if you have a low household income or if you or a member of your household takes part in certain federal assistance programs.
To learn more, visit the Lifeline website or call 800-234-9473 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Local VA Telehealth Support
If you’re unsure about your comfort level with VA telehealth technologies, Virtual Health Resource Centers are available to help you learn about and use virtual care tools. Centers are staffed with health technology experts who can provide hands-on support, technical assistance, and other information regarding virtual care tools such as health apps and devices.
Centers are an in-person and virtual resource and provide services to Veterans, family members, caregivers, and VA staff. While centers are currently only available at select locations, the number of Virtual Health Resource Centers is continually growing.
To find the Virtual Health Resource Center nearest to you, visit the Virtual Health Resource Center webpage.