The next PACT Act health care enrollment deadline is nearing for veterans who deployed to combat zones.
Until 11:59 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.
The special enrollment period allows veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
“Even if you don’t need this care now, you may need it in the future – and once you’re in, you have access for life,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a statement.
The special enrollment period is a part of the PACT Act, the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in generations. The legislation, signed by President Joe Biden on Aug. 10, 2022, provides VA health care and benefits to veterans of all eras who were exposed to toxins as a result of their service.
According to VA’s PACT Act Year-In-Review Dashboard, VA has processed more than 1.65 million total claims thus far in this fiscal year, including 458,659 PACT Act claims and has delivered more than $1.85 billion in earned PACT Act benefits to veterans and their survivors.
“We’re proud that so many veterans and survivors have already benefited from the PACT Act, but this is just the beginning. We won’t rest until every veteran and every survivor gets the VA health care and benefits they deserve,” added McDonough.
More information on eligibility for the special enrollment period can be found here or call 1-800-MYVA411.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
