You & VA Health Care

[Gregory Matthews]

Quote

  

Beginning March 5, 2024, VA is making all Veterans exposed to toxins while serving our country eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. We’re using every tool at VA’s disposal to ensure that as many of these Veterans as possible come to VA for their care.

This expansion of care means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

See:

https://news.va.gov/129251/pactact2024healthcareeligibilitytoolkit/utm_source=middle&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources&utm_id=06MAR2024

 

Reserved for further use.

[Gregory Matthews]

 

Beginning March 5, 2024, VA is making all Veterans exposed to toxins while serving our country eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. We’re using every tool at VA’s disposal to ensure that as many of these Veterans as possible come to VA for their care.

This expansion of care means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans. The Toolkit offers multiple communications resources you can use to reach your community members and help them better understand expanded care under PACT Act.

We value your support and thank you for sharing vital VA health information with your constituents to assist Veterans, their families and survivors in receiving the care they deserve. If a Veteran community member asks you about the PACT Act, please direct them to www.va.gov/PACT  or call 1-800-MyVA411.

Key messages

• Beginning March 5, we’re making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act.
• Specifically, all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country—at home or abroad—will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
• That includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.
• It includes all Veterans who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.
• And it includes Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home, including those who worked with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays and more.
• We’re doing this because VA care is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans and we want as many Veterans as possible to come to us for their care.
• So, to all the Veterans out there: don’t wait, apply for the care you deserve at VA.gov/PACT.
• Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply. And once you’re in, you have access for life.

Elevator speech

Beginning March 5, VA is making three new groups of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act:

1. Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service;
2. Veterans who were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa; and
3. Veterans who deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11. 

Here’s what that means for Veterans:

If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan, you can enroll.

If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll.

If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll.

And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home—by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more—you can enroll, too.

Bottom line: all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards—at home or abroad—are eligible to enroll in VA care beginning March 5.  

This is the biggest expansion of care in generations, and VA wants you to apply as soon as possible.

It’s quick and easy to enroll. You don’t need to be sick or file a claim to become eligible; all you have to do is show that you served in one of those locations or operations, or participated in one of the activities that could have exposed you to toxins or hazards. VA health care is proven to be the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, and Veterans who come to VA have better health outcomes.

Even if you don’t think you need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. All you have to do is enroll; then you have access for life.

Don’t miss this opportunity: better, more affordable health care is waiting for you. Go to VA.gov/PACT and get it.

 

[Gregory Matthews]

This is a major expansion of VA health care, and does not require application for disability benefits.

*  I believe that there may be some benefits due to non-military family members who lived in military housing at several places.

*  Each county in the U.S. may have a VA benefit officer who will be able to assist you free of charge in determining whether or not you are eligible for sthese, and other, benefits.

*  In addition, there are a number Veterans Service organizations who will also assist you free of charge.

As I have more information, will post it.