index

Special PACT Act Enrolment Period for Veterans Closing Soon

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Staff Writer

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the special enrolment period for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PACT Act) will end on September 30th.

he enrolment period, established under the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honouring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act), aims to honour the service of veterans and address compensation for those exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals during their time in uniform, dating back to the 1960s.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Post-9/11 combat veterans who served between 2001 and 2013 have until Sept. 30 to enroll in Department of Veterans Affairs health care. <a href="https://t.co/ipzR9NXa3A">https://t.co/ipzR9NXa3A</a></p>&mdash; Military.com (@Militarydotcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Militarydotcom/status/1671257827174752256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One of the key aspects of the PACT Act is the expansion of the enrolment window for post-9/11 combat veterans who exited service on or after October 1, 2013. Unlike the one-year special enrolment period for other eligible veterans, post-9/11 combat veterans now have up to 10 years after their military separation date to enrol in VA health care.

It provides a unique opportunity for veterans to enrol in VA health care services, ensuring they have access to the medical care they deserve. Eligible veterans who have never enrolled in VA health care must meet certain criteria to qualify.

They must have served in active service “in a theatre of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War” and been “discharged or released” between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013. Veterans who served “in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities” after November 11, 1998, are also eligible to enrol during the special period.

The PACT Act and the subsequent special enrolment period have been critical steps in honouring the promises made to our veterans and addressing the health issues resulting from exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals during their service. By enrolling in VA health care, veterans can access comprehensive medical services and receive the support they need for their sacrifices.

Cory Titus, an Army infantry veteran, and director with the Military Officers Association of America, emphasized the importance of the Special PACT Act Enrolment Period. He explained that the purpose of this period is to ensure that veterans who have been exposed to toxins based on their deployments are enrolled in the VA’s system.

Titus highlighted the delayed onset of conditions related to toxic exposures and the need for veterans to have access to healthcare resources within the VA system, rather than solely relying on private healthcare insurance.

To take advantage of the Special PACT Act Enrolment Period, eligible veterans can apply online through the official VA website or by contacting their nearest VA medical centre. The VA has taken proactive measures to streamline the enrolment process and aid veterans during this period.

You may also like

Blog

A Palatka Goodwill store was evacuated after employees discovered a live grenade among donated items, prompting a bomb squad response and a public safety warning from police.
The U.S. Army has taken delivery of its first M1E3 Abrams tank prototype, launching an accelerated testing and acquisition effort aimed at rapidly modernizing armored forces.
A Pentagon AI chatbot has drawn attention after labeling a hypothetical follow-up airstrike on survivors at sea as illegal, as the Defense Department rolls out its new GenAI platform to military personnel.
Syria has arrested five suspects after a deadly ambush near Palmyra killed three Americans, as the US vows strong retaliation while investigations continue into possible ISIL links.
A Georgia woman is recovering from severe burns after being attacked with a corrosive chemical during an evening walk in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, as police and the FBI search for those with information.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers