Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter
Starting this year, all veterans, except those with a dishonorable discharge, will be able to access emergency mental health care free of charge at any veterans medical facility or other clinics, whether or not they are already enrolled in Department health care services.
This is all part of a nationwide effort to prevent suicides in the veteran population. New department data shows that about 17 veterans a day commit suicide, a figure unacceptable in any society.
Veterans in suicidal crisis may now receive the world-class emergency health care they deserve, no matter where they need it when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care, according to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This care expansion will save veterans’ lives, and nothing is more important.”
America has 18 million veterans but only fifty percent are currently enrolled in veterans’ health care through the department.
Under this new policy, VA will either waive costs for care of, in cases of, visits outside the VA system or provide reimbursements for emergency mental health care.
This plan is based on legislation adopted by Congress nearly two years ago. House Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member (Congressman Mark Takano of Riverside), who authored the measure, praised the department for its implementation.
Congressman Takano added. “This new benefit removes cost from the equation when veterans are at imminent risk of self-harm and allows them to access lifesaving care when they need it most, regardless of whether the veteran has ever enrolled in or used VA healthcare benefits.”
Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis line at 988 or at 1-800-273-8255. Select option 1 for a VA staffer. Veterans, troops or their family members can visit: VeteransCrisisLine.net for help.
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