Central ND News

WASHINGTON – Senators Kevin Cramer, Angus King, Mike Rounds, and Joe Manchin have introduced the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2023, a bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding pre-enrollment for combat veterans in the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) system. The bill will allow veterans currently serving in a theater of combat operations to pre-enroll into the VHA system six months prior to their discharge, ensuring immediate access to healthcare upon separation.

Currently, transitioning servicemembers must wait until they have left the service and received their official separation paperwork to apply for VHA healthcare and other services. This can often result in a prolonged period where veterans do not have access to the healthcare benefits they have earned. As Senator Cramer explains, "Allowing servicemembers to pre-enroll for VHA healthcare before separation instead of afterward provides continuity of care rather than being stuck in bureaucratic backlogs. We must ensure our combat veterans’ transition to civilian life includes immediate healthcare coverage without delay."

The bill is particularly timely as studies have shown that the first year of a servicemember's transition to civilian life is the most difficult, putting them at a higher risk of suicide. By enabling servicemembers who have served in combat to pre-enroll in VHA care, they will have immediate access to the mental and physical care they deserve upon separation. This will help mitigate the impacts of PTSD and reduce the risk of suicide.

According to preliminary estimates, the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2023 will cover up to 13,000 active-duty individuals. The introduction of this legislation highlights the bipartisan effort to support and prioritize the healthcare needs of combat veterans. As Senator Cramer emphasizes, "Our combat veterans risk their lives to fight for our freedoms and way of life. We must ensure they receive the necessary care they need during their transition to civilian life."

The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2023 has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of combat veterans by providing them with seamless access to healthcare services. It acknowledges the sacrifices they have made and aims to support their well-being during their transition to civilian life. As the bill progresses, the hope is that it will gain the necessary support to become law and provide improved healthcare access for those who have served our country.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cramer-king-introduce-legislation-to-expand-pre-enrollment-for-combat-veterans