VA announces largest healthcare expansion

VA officials say all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service — at home or abroad — are now eligible for VA health care.

This action expands health care eligibility to millions of those who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and other combat zones after 9/11.

It also means these veterans can enroll in VA healthcare without first applying for VA benefits.

Huntingdon County Veterans Affairs Director Brian Bassett has been preparing for this news and encourages all eligible veterans to contact his office to learn more and apply for VA healthcare under a federal law known as the PACT Act.

“This expansion of VA healthcare eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the PACT Act, meaning veterans are becoming eligible for VA healthcare up to eight years earlier than written into law,” Bassett explained. “It’s important to note that vets should contact their local veterans affairs office for information and assistance in handling PACT Act claims.”

One big part of the expansion is that veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll. Now, many veterans who never deployed as part of a conflict but were exposed to toxins or hazards while serving in the U.S. can be covered by VA healthcare.

“In a nutshell, the VA revisited Agent Orange presumptive-related claims, Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water presumptive-related claims; and introduced Gulf War burn pit and other airborne hazardous chemical presumptive claims,” Bassett said.

In addition to expanding access to VA health care, this decision makes it quicker and easier for millions of veterans nationwide to enroll.

Already 16,000 Pennsylvania veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare.

Many veterans believe they must apply to receive VA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for VA healthcare, but VA officials say that is not correct. With this expansion, millions of eligible veterans can enroll directly in VA care, without the need to first apply for VA benefits.

This is a critical step forward, according to VA officials, because veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled veterans.

But that’s not all.

They say VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. And VA healthcare is often more affordable than non-VA healthcare for veterans.

“This could be life-changing care for veterans,” said Dr. Derek Coughenour, executive director of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona.

“We are excited for the opportunity to open up the doors of eligibility for veterans here in central Pennsylvania,” Coughenour stated. “VA healthcare is more affordable, in most cases faster, and with a team who is the most trusted in the Department of Veterans Affairs according to 2023 Veterans Signals data. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for our team to serve all those who served us.”

In addition to receiving care at the VA Medical Center in Altoona, local veterans can access many primary health services at the Huntingdon County VA Outpatient Clinic on Sandplant Hill near Mapleton.

All eligible veterans are encouraged to contact the Huntingdon County Veterans Affairs Office for more information. The office is located at 205 Penn St. in Huntingdon and can be reached by phone at (814) 643-1360.

Joe can be reached at jthompson@huntingdondailynews.com.Full

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