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Are you a Veteran who served in a combat zone between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013? If so, you still have time to enroll in VA health care, but time is running out. Here’s everything you need to know.
Special Enrollment Window for Combat Zone Veterans
Combat veterans who’ve not yet enrolled in VA health care have until 1:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2023, to benefit from the PACT Act’s special enrollment period. This provides veterans of theaters such as Iraq and Afghanistan a streamlined path to VA health care, skipping the need to first apply for disability compensation benefits.
Why Should You Enroll?
- Quality Care: VA health care recipients experience superior health outcomes compared to non-enrolled Veterans.
- Top-notch Ratings: VA hospitals consistently exceed non-VA hospitals in quality and patient satisfaction ratings.
- Affordability: VA health care is frequently more cost-effective for Veterans than non-VA alternatives.
PACT Act: A Historic Expansion of VA Health Care & Benefits
The PACT Act represents a monumental growth in VA health care access and benefits. Since its inception in August 2022, over 344,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care, and a staggering 4.2 million have undergone screenings for toxic exposures.
Furthermore, the PACT Act introduced VA disability compensation benefits for millions, earmarking over 300 health conditions as “presumptive” for service connection. Veterans eligible for these conditions are automatically deemed to have incurred them due to their service, thus receiving appropriate compensation and care.
Since its launch, the PACT Act has dispensed more than $1.85 billion in benefits to deserving Veterans and their families.
Act Now: The Clock is Ticking!
“As a veteran who has served in combat zones, don’t hesitate. Even if you think you might not need this care now, enrolling ensures you have lifetime access when you need it. The deadline is crucial. Apply now at VA.gov/PACT,” emphasizes VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
While this deadline targets a specific Veteran group, many other Veterans can directly enroll in VA health care without jumping through other hoops. Notably, those who’ve transitioned out of service in the last decade and many Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans.
VA’s Unprecedented Outreach: Making Sure No Veteran Is Left Behind
To ensure every Veteran is aware and can avail this golden opportunity, VA has unleashed the most massive outreach campaign in its history. This has involved a staggering 2,000 events, over 400 million communication pieces, a dedicated PACT Act website, and an investment of $13 million in media.
For further details on eligibility and other nuances of the PACT Act, navigate to https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/PactAct If you’re all set to claim the benefits and care you’ve rightfully earned, don’t wait. Visit VA.gov/PACT or dial 1-800-MYVA411 to start your journey to better health today.
