From Military.com:
“VA to pay for all emergency
mental health care starting next week”
(The VA Medical Center in
Providence, R.I.)
Starting Jan. 17, all veterans
will be able to access emergency mental health care free of charge at any
Veterans Affairs medical facility or outside clinic, regardless of whether they
are already enrolled in department health care services. Department officials
announced the new policy on Friday as part of nationwide efforts to prevent
suicide among veterans. According to the latest department data, about 17
veterans a day die by suicide. “Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the
free, 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,” VA Secretary
Denis McDonough said in a statement. “This expansion of care will save
veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.”
Compared to the New Year’s Eve
2021 and New Year’s Day 2022, the call volume each day was up almost 30%. The
new policy applies to all veterans with any separation status except a
dishonorable discharge, regardless of whether they qualify for other VA medical
services. About 18 million veterans are living in America today, but only about
half are currently enrolled in veterans health care through the department.
Since 2019, all VA medical
facilities have been required to provide same-day access to emergency mental
health care to veterans. Under the new policy, VA will either waive costs for
care or — in cases of visits outside the VA system — provide reimbursements for
emergency mental health care. Those costs can include appointment fees,
transportation costs and other related follow-up expenses. The new plan also
calls for VA to cover the costs of up to 30 days of inpatient or residential
care for treatment of those mental health issues and up to 90 days of
outpatient care if veterans are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis. The move
is based on legislation adopted by Congress nearly two years ago. House
Veterans’ Affairs Committee ranking member Mark Takano, R-Calif., who authored
the measure, praised the department on Friday for its implementation. But
veterans are still significantly more likely to die by suicide than their
civilian peers. “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,” he said in a statement. “But there is more
work to do. As we embark on a new year and a new Congress, I will continue to
prioritize meaningful solutions to help save veterans’ lives.” Suicide
prevention has been a top clinical focus for Congress and the department for
more than a decade, but progress on reducing the number of military and
veterans suicides has been limited.
Veterans experiencing a mental
health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis Line through 988 or at
1-800-273-8255. Callers should select option 1 for a VA staffer. Veterans,
troops or their family members can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net
for assistance.
^ This is long-overdue and
hopefully will help save lives. ^
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