Millions of Veterans Eligible for Direct VA Health Care Enrollment Starting March

• Vets exposed to toxins can enroll directly in VA health care in March

• VA said this is one of the 'largest-ever expansions' of veteran healthcare

• This was done through the PACT Act, which was signed into law in August 2022

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a significant update on Monday, revealing that veterans who have encountered toxins and other hazards during their military service will be granted immediate access to VA health care starting in March. This initiative marks one of the most substantial expansions in veterans' healthcare history, as stated on the VA's official website, making "millions" of veterans eligible.

In a decisive move directed by President Biden, the VA is accelerating the health care eligibility for millions of Veterans, bypassing the PACT Act's original phased-in timeline. This action grants healthcare access up to eight years sooner than previously legislated. This change is pivotal, as enrollment in VA health care has been linked with superior health outcomes and higher satisfaction compared to non-enrolled Veterans. Furthermore, VA hospitals have consistently outperformed non-VA facilities in quality and patient satisfaction, offering a more cost-effective healthcare option for Veterans. This healthcare expansion is a result of the PACT Act, which President Biden enacted in August 2022. The legislation has since facilitated access to additional benefits for hundreds of thousands of veterans, especially those affected by illnesses linked to burn pits and other toxic exposures.

From March 5th onward, veterans from the Vietnam War era, the Gulf War, and those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any combat zone will be eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare services. This also includes veterans who encountered hazardous toxins during training or while on active duty within the United States, regardless of deployment status. "We're inviting all veterans who might have been exposed to hazardous substances during their service, whether domestically or overseas, to seek the health care they rightfully deserve from us," VA Secretary Denis McDonough commented, emphasizing the lifetime access to health care once enrolled.

The VA is urging all eligible Veterans to initiate their healthcare application process on March 5 by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411. Since the enactment of the PACT Act on August 10, 2022, over half a million Veterans have already joined the VA health care system.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the department's commitment to serving those exposed to hazardous conditions, stating, "VA offers the highest quality, most affordable health care for Veterans. Once enrolled, you have lifelong access. We encourage you not to delay and start the enrollment from March 5th."

VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D., highlighted the significance of this expansion, "Starting March 5, we're extending VA health care eligibility to millions of Veterans ahead of the PACT Act's schedule. This includes Veterans from recent conflicts and those exposed to toxins during domestic service. Our goal is to deliver the care they've earned."

This expansion simplifies the enrollment process, debunking the misconception that VA health care is only for those applying for VA disability benefits. Now, eligible Veterans can directly enroll in VA care, bypassing the benefits application process. The care expansion encompasses Veterans from various conflicts and those exposed to a wide range of toxins and hazards, whether domestically or during overseas service. The VA will utilize all pertinent information, including military records, to determine eligibility based on toxic exposure risk activities (TERA). To maximize enrollment, the VA has launched its largest outreach campaign, including events, advertising, media coverage, direct communication, and a dedicated PACT Act website. The campaign's objective is clear: to ensure every Veteran and their survivors receive the health care and benefits they are entitled to under the PACT Act.