{"id":134476,"date":"2024-03-05T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=134476"},"modified":"2024-03-05T18:40:24","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T18:40:24","slug":"the-pact-act-2024-expanded-health-care-eligibility-toolkit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=134476","title":{"rendered":"The PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u2019re using every tool at VA\u2019s disposal to ensure that as many of these Veterans as possible come to VA for their care.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a0or call 1-800-MyVA411.<\/p>\n
Key messages<\/h2>\n
\n
Beginning March 5, we\u2019re making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care years earlier than called for by the PACT Act.<\/li>\n
Specifically, all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country\u2014at home or abroad\u2014will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.<\/li>\n
That includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9\/11.<\/li>\n
It includes all Veterans who deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.<\/li>\n
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.<\/li>\n
We\u2019re 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.<\/li>\n
So, to all the Veterans out there: don\u2019t wait, apply for the care you deserve at VA.gov\/PACT.<\/li>\n
Even if you don\u2019t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It\u2019s quick and easy to apply. And once you\u2019re in, you have access for life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Elevator speech<\/h2>\n
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:<\/p>\n
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Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service;<\/li>\n
Veterans who were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa; and<\/li>\n
Veterans who deployed in support of certain operations after 9\/11.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Here\u2019s what that means for Veterans:<\/p>\n
If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan, you can enroll.<\/p>\n
If you deployed to any combat zone after 9\/11, you can enroll.<\/p>\n
If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll.<\/p>\n
And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home\u2014by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more\u2014you can enroll, too.<\/p>\n
Bottom line: all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards\u2014at home or abroad\u2014are eligible to enroll in VA care beginning March 5.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is the biggest expansion of care in generations, and VA wants you to apply as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s quick and easy to enroll. You don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Even if you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t miss this opportunity: better, more affordable health care is waiting for you. Go to VA.gov\/PACT and get it.<\/p>\n
Sample social media<\/h2>\n
These sample posts can be used for spreading awareness about this health care expansion.<\/em> We encourage you to create your own social media as well. You can also attach relevant videos, graphics and collateral (included in this document) to any of these posts, as needed.<\/p>\n
![\"Service](\"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gen-Eligibility2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n![\"Female](\"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Eligibility-by-war.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/why-apply-for-care.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n![\"Female](\"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/why-apply-for-care2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n![\"Service](\"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gen-Eligibility.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n