VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network

PACT Act Eligibility

• We want to bring as many Veterans as possible into our care, because VA is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans.
• That’s why, beginning March 5, we’re making three new groups of Veterans eligible for VA healthcare years earlier than called for by the PACT Act:

1. Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service.
2. Veterans who were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa; and
3. Veterans who deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11.

• Here’s what that means for Veterans:
• If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll.
• If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll.
• If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll.
• And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more – you can enroll, too.

BOTTOM LINE: ALL VETERANS EXPOSED TO TOXINS AND OTHER HAZARDS – AT HOME OR ABROAD – ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN VA CARE BEGINNING MARCH 5.

• This is the biggest expansion of VA care in generations, and we want you to apply as soon as possible.
• It’s quick and easy to enroll. You don’t need to be sick or file a claim to become eligible; all you have to do is show that you served in one of those locations or operations – or participated in one of the activities that could have exposed you to toxins or hazards.
• Even if you don’t think you need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. All you have to do is enroll, then you have access for life.
• So don’t miss this opportunity: better, more affordable health care is waiting for you. Go to VA.gov/PACT and get it.
• I promise, we will do everything in our power to serve you as well as you’ve served us.

FOUR WAYS TO ENROLL:

1. Apply Online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
2. Apply by phone: Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET to get help with your application.
3. Apply by mail: Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).

       Get VA Form 10-10EZ to download

       You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:

• If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
• If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.

Send your completed application here:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329

1. Apply in person: Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).

Get VA Form 10-10EZ to download

You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:

• If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
• If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.

Go to your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) with you.

Find a VA medical center or clinic near you

AFTER YOU APPLY FOR HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

After you’ve applied for VA health care, we’ll send you a letter in the mail to let you know if your application has been approved. Find out when to expect your letter—and what to do next.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE VA TO MAKE A DECISION?

Less than 1 week

If more than a week has passed since you gave us your application and you haven’t heard back, please don’t apply again. Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

IF YOU APPROVE MY APPLICATION, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

1. Wait for your welcome call from VA. We’ll call you to welcome you to the VA health care program, help you with scheduling your first doctor’s appointment, and answer any questions you may have about your health care benefits.
2. Read your Veterans Health Benefits Handbook. We’ll send this to you by mail. Your handbook will explain your specific health care benefits (based on the priority group we assigned you), how much you’ll pay in copays, and other helpful information.
   Download a sample handbook (PDF)
3. Get your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). This is the ID card you’ll use to check in at your VA health care appointments. You can request your card online or in person at your nearest VA medical center.
   Learn how to get your VHIC
4. Go to your first VA doctor’s appointment. You may have requested a doctor’s appointment when you applied (either in person or on your application). If you did, we’ll set up an appointment for you with a VA doctor or provider and send you a notice with your appointment time in the mail. If you didn’t ask for a doctor’s appointment when you applied, we’ll help you set up your appointment during your welcome call.

WHAT IF I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR BEFORE MY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT?

Contact your local VA medical center or clinic and ask for one of these:

• The enrollment coordinator, or
• The urgent care clinic, or
• The emergency room

Apply for Health Care/Veterans Affairs