More than 10,000 Illinois Veterans enrolled in VA health care over past year: report
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Leaders of a federal agency are celebrating record enrollments in the state.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced 10,167 veterans living in Illinois have enrolled in healthcare with the VA, which is 42.51% more than it enrolled in the past year.
Nationally, 401,006 Veterans have enrolled in the past 365 days, a 30% increase from the 307,831 veterans the agency enrolled the previous year. Officials with the VA note it has been the largest increase in enrollment in the past 5 years.
“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, so we want all eligible Veterans to enroll today,” VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said. “Our clinicians know Veterans – they often are Veterans – and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”
VA Illiana gives historic tour and talks new PACT act
Leaders say the reason for the dramatic increase of enrollments is from the PACT Act, a federal law passed in August 2022. The VA has also increased outreach, with a $16 million ad campaign, and directly texting veterans to invite them to enroll in VA health care.
“We want every eligible Veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and pay less – than Veterans who don’t,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a news release. “That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting Veterans where they are – hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more – to get them to come to VA.”
Earlier this month, the VA expanded its eligibility requirements for millions of veterans exposed to toxins as a part of the PACT Act. 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 can be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States can also be eligible.
More information on VA care can be found on the VA’s healthcare website.
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