Veterans have access to acute suicide care, but who is eligible?

Eligible Veterans and some former service members can now go to any VA or non-VA hospital for emergency health care during an acute suicidal crisis, and it will be paid for by VA.

This includes ambulance transportation, related prescriptions, up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential treatment, and up to 90 days of outpatient care at no cost to them.

The new benefit is saving lives and supports one of VA’s top clinical priorities—preventing Veteran suicide.

Health care facilities with emergency services are required to treat every patient in need of emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay, under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Now that VA can pay for emergency care for eligible former service members experiencing an acute suicidal crisis, the benefit also eases the burden on our nation’s pandemic-stressed health care system.

Veteran eligibility

VA will provide or pay for the care of Veterans:

• Who served prior to Sept. 7, 1980, if they were discharged from the military under a condition that is not dishonorable or the result of a general court martial.
• Who enlisted or were commissioned after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, and received a military discharge under a condition that is not dishonorable or the result of a general court martial after serving 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty, unless:
  • They were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by their active-duty service.
  • They were discharged for a hardship or “early out.”

Veterans who were discharged under other than honorable conditions are also eligible for this benefit if they:

• Served 100 cumulative days in a combat zone or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location.
• Were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

First responder or emergency provider must diagnose a suicidal crisis

The final element to unlock this benefit: A first responder or emergency provider are the only ones who can diagnose whether a person is in acute suicidal crisis. Eligibility is based on the Veteran’s military service and a clinical determination.

Caring for more of America’s Veterans when they are most vulnerable is a responsibility VA doesn’t take lightly. With this new authority, an additional nine million unenrolled Veterans have access to emergency treatment where and when they need it most, potentially reducing the number of Veteran suicides.

We encourage heath care providers, Veterans, their family and friends to learn more about how to access life-saving care and services before it becomes necessary. Learn more at Emergency Medical Care – Community Care (va.gov).

If you are or know a Veteran in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) or text 838255.

Support and resources

• Veteran Suicide Prevention
• Veteran Emergency Care
• Emergency Care Information for Providers