‘Millions’ can enroll directly for VA health care starting in March

(NewsNation) — Those exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military will be able to enroll directly in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs in March, the agency announced Monday.

The VA said on its website that this is one of the “largest-ever expansions of veteran health care,” and that “millions” are eligible for it.

Starting March 5, veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone can enroll in VA healthcare without first applying for any other benefits from the department. That includes veterans who were never deployed but still faced these toxins while training or on active duty in the United States.

“If you’re a veteran who may have been exposed to toxins or hazards while serving our country, at home or abroad, we want you to come to us for the health care you deserve,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement, adding that “once you’re in you have access for life.”

An expansion of VA health care benefits was ordered through the PACT Act, which Biden signed into law in August 2022. Hundreds of thousands of veterans were able to get additional benefits through the legislation, which expanded coverage for conditions connected to burn pits used to destroy trash and potentially toxic materials.

More than 500,000 Veterans have enrolled in the department’s health care since the PACT Act was signed into law, according to the VA.

Veterans eligible for the expanded health care can visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to apply or learn more.