Health Care

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health began a joint, five-year study that aims to explain the chronic symptoms of Gulf War Illness. The study may lead to more definitive diagnostic criteria for Gulf War Illness, development of new diagnostic testing, and potential treatments.

Let me also acknowledge Reverend Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of NAN’s National Board of Directors. Reverend Franklyn answered the call to the ministry when he was just 18 years old, showing us how surrendering to something greater than ourselves is the first step in the long and righteous struggle for social justice and community empowerment.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are no longer required to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through VA. The Biden-Harris administration and VA are proud to implement this rule, which is estimated to impact approximately 25,000 American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.

Remarks by Secretary McDonough at the Lake Nona Impact Forum.

This is the largest budget proposal in U.S. history for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. The total FY 2024 request for VA is $325.1 billion, a $16.6 billion (+5.4%) increase above the FY 2023 budget enacted level. This includes a discretionary budget request of $142.8 billion, a $3.0 billion (+2.1%) increase over FY 2023. The 2024 mandatory funding request is $182.3 billion, an increase of $13.6 billion (+8.1%) above 2023.

To our press in attendance, once I open the Q&A period, please raise your hand and wait for me to recognize you. Once called upon, please step to the microphone. To those joining us virtually, please remember to remain on mute for the duration of the press conference.

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposed a rule that would waive copayments incurred on or after Jan. 5, 2022, for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans. Upon publication of the notice, there will be a 30-day period for the public to provide comments on this rulemaking. VA will review the comments and develop the final rule.

The Department of Veterans Affairs marks a historic milestone by screening 1 million Veterans for military exposures as part of the PACT Act signed into law Aug. 10.

On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin processing PACT Act benefit claims for all Veterans and their survivors.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for eligible terminally ill Veterans.

This weekend, VA will kick off a PACT Act Week of Action to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.