Artesia General Hospital is proud to serve the veterans and military families of southeastern New Mexico. Enrolled veterans, active-duty family members on TRICARE, military retirees, and CHAMPVA dependents in Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, Hobbs and other area cities can all receive care right here, close to home.
We accept the following military and veteran coverage programs:
| Coverage Program | Who It’s For | Administered By |
| VA Community Care (TriWest) | Veterans enrolled in VA health care | TriWest Healthcare Alliance |
| TRICARE | Active duty, military retirees & families | TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region) |
| TRICARE for Life | Military retirees also on Medicare | TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region) |
| CHAMPVA | Dependents & survivors of disabled/deceased veterans | VA Office of Integrated Veteran Care |
VA Community Care at Artesia General Hospital
Enrolled veterans can receive care at Artesia General Hospital through the VA Community Care Network, often with the same copay as care at a VA facility.
Veterans in Artesia have access to the Artesia VA Clinic at 2410 West Main Street for primary care, mental health, and lab services, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For specialty care, surgical services, emergency care, imaging, or any need outside clinic hours, VA-enrolled veterans may be eligible to receive care at Artesia General Hospital through the VA Community Care Network.
The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque is more than 180 miles from Artesia. For specialty or after-hours care that isn’t available at the local VA clinic, community care referrals allow veterans to access that care locally — right here at AGH.
How to Access VA Community Care at AGH
- Contact your VA care coordinator or patient advocate at the Artesia VA Clinic (2410 West Main St.) and request a community care referral to Artesia General Hospital.
- The VA reviews and authorizes your referral through TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the VA’s Community Care Network administrator for New Mexico.
- Once authorized, call AGH to schedule your appointment. Bring your VA authorization with you when you arrive.
| Important VA Community Care requires prior authorization from the VA before your visit in most cases. Walk-in visits are not covered under this program except in emergencies. To request a referral, contact the Artesia VA Clinic or call the VA national line at 1-866-606-8198. |
TRICARE and TRICARE for Life
Artesia General Hospital accepts TRICARE for active duty service members and their families, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and survivors covered under the TRICARE West Region — administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. New Mexico is part of the TRICARE West Region.
TRICARE for Life is available to military retirees and their families who are also enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare is billed first; TRICARE for Life covers most remaining costs. There is generally no enrollment fee and no claims paperwork for beneficiaries.
To verify your TRICARE coverage or confirm network status, visit tricare.mil or call 1-844-866-9378.
CHAMPVA
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), provides health care coverage for the spouses, dependent children, and surviving family members of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died as a result of a service-connected disability.
CHAMPVA is separate from TRICARE and is not for the veteran themselves. If you qualify for TRICARE, you are not eligible for CHAMPVA.
Because Artesia General Hospital participates in Medicare and TRICARE, we automatically accept CHAMPVA. CHAMPVA does not maintain a provider network — any Medicare or TRICARE-accepting provider accepts CHAMPVA assignment. CHAMPVA generally covers most medically necessary services, with a $50 per-person annual outpatient deductible and a 25% cost share up to a $3,000 annual catastrophic cap. After the cap is reached, CHAMPVA covers 100% of allowable costs for the remainder of the year.
For CHAMPVA eligibility and billing questions, call 1-800-733-8387 or visit va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva/.
Emergency Care for Veterans
If you are a VA-enrolled veteran in Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell or Hobbs and experiencing a medical emergency, go directly to the nearest emergency room. You do not need prior VA authorization for emergency care.
The Emergency Department at Artesia General Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — with short wait times to see a doctor.
| VA-enrolled veterans: notify the VA within 72 hours of any emergency visit Call 1-866-606-8198 to report your emergency care and ensure your visit is covered. The Artesia VA Clinic is closed evenings and weekends — AGH’s Emergency Department is available around the clock. |
Getting to Your Veterans Care Appointment
Getting to Artesia General Hospital shouldn’t be a barrier to care. AGH currently offers free, non-emergency transportation to and from any AGH appointment for patients in Artesia, Carlsbad, and Roswell. This service is available to all AGH patients — including veterans using VA Community Care, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA.
Our vans are wheelchair accessible and provide door-to-door service:
- Days: Monday–Friday
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Coverage area: Artesia, Carlsbad, and Roswell
- Cost: Currently free. Service availability is subject to change — contact us to confirm current status.
Rides must be scheduled in advance. Same-day transport is not available. For medical emergencies, call 911.
To schedule a ride: Call 575-736-8211 or visit artesiageneral.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/.
| Ready to schedule your care at Artesia General Hospital? Call our main line at 575-748-3333 or visit the AGH billing team to verify your VA, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA coverage before your appointment. We’re here to help you navigate the authorization process. Artesia General Hospital — 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM 88210 — Open 24/7 for emergencies. |
Veterans Care: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Artesia General Hospital accept VA insurance?
Yes. AGH accepts VA Community Care through TriWest Healthcare Alliance, TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, and CHAMPVA. VA Community Care requires prior authorization from the VA before most visits. Contact your VA care coordinator or the Artesia VA Clinic to request a referral.
How do I get a VA Community Care referral to Artesia General Hospital?
Contact your care coordinator or patient advocate at the Artesia VA Clinic (2410 West Main St., 575-748-3333 main / or the VA national line at 1-866-606-8198) and request a referral to Artesia General Hospital. Once the VA authorizes the referral through TriWest, call AGH to schedule your appointment.
Do I qualify for VA Community Care at Artesia General Hospital?
It depends on what care you need. The Artesia VA Clinic at 2410 West Main St. provides primary care and mental health services locally, Monday–Friday. For specialty care, emergency care, surgical services, imaging, or care outside clinic hours, VA-enrolled veterans may qualify for a community care referral to Artesia General Hospital. Contact the Artesia VA Clinic or call 1-866-606-8198 to determine eligibility for a specific referral.
What is CHAMPVA and who is it for?
CHAMPVA is a VA health care program for the spouses, dependent children, and survivors of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected disability. It is not for the veteran themselves, and it is separate from TRICARE. If you qualify for TRICARE, you are not eligible for CHAMPVA.
What is the difference between TRICARE and VA Community Care?
Veterans authorized by the VA receive civilian care through VA Community Care (administered by TriWest), while TRICARE serves active-duty members, retirees, and their families as a separate Department of Defense program. Artesia General Hospital accepts both programs, which TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers within New Mexico.
Can I go to the AGH Emergency Room as a veteran without prior authorization?
Yes. In a medical emergency, go directly to the nearest ER — no prior authorization required. Notify the VA within 72 hours of your emergency visit to ensure coverage. Call 1-866-606-8198. The Artesia General Hospital Emergency Department serves patients 24/7, providing essential care even when the Artesia VA Clinic closes on evenings and weekends.
Does AGH offer transportation to appointments?
Yes. AGH currently offers free, non-emergency transportation to and from any AGH appointment for patients in Artesia, Carlsbad, and Roswell — including veterans. Rides are available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in wheelchair-accessible vans. Please schedule in advance. Call 575-736-8211 to arrange a ride.