FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A law signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022 that will expand healthcare coverage for veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service is now in effect.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the benefits provided by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act are available starting March 5, 2024.
VA healthcare and benefits are now expanded to veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
According to the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHCSO), "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 are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits."
Veterans who weren't deployed in any of the aforementioned wars but had been exposed to toxins while training or on active duty in the U.S. are also eligible to enroll.
According to VHCSO, this law advances VA healthcare eligibility by eight years for veterans and removes the barrier of applying for VA benefits first.
“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. “VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans – and once you’re in, you have access for life. So don’t wait, enroll today.”
Eligible veterans can apply for healthcare at VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.
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