Veterans in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free emergency care
Abigail Adcox
Video Embed
Veterans in suicidal crisis will soon be able to go to any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or private facility for free emergency care under a new Biden administration policy aimed at preventing veteran suicide.
Starting next Tuesday, more than 18 million veterans could be eligible to receive emergency healthcare at no cost, including up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
KINDERGARTEN VACCINATION RATES DROPPED AGAIN LAST YEAR
“Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the free, world-class emergency healthcare they deserve – no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care,” said VA Secretary for Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “This expansion of care will save Veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.”
The VA already offers emergency suicide care, but the new policy means that veterans will not have to pay any copayments or fees for that care. Veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA system will also be eligible, unlike for other medical benefits, increasing access to care for approximately 9 million veterans.
Eligible individuals include veterans who were discharged or released after more than 24 months of active service and former armed forces members who were a victim of sexual harassment or a physical assault of a sexual nature while serving.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The policy is a part of the 10-year national strategy to help prevent veteran suicide. Last year, the VA established a dial option for veterans to be connected to 24/7 crisis support by calling 988 and then pressing 1.
In 2020, fewer veterans died by suicide than in any year since 2006, according to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.