Legislation will automatically enroll Veterans in the VA’s patient enrollment system, streamlining the healthcare process for transitioning service members.
Washington, DC– Last week, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to pass legislation through the House that would require the automatic enrollment of eligible veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs' patient enrollment system.
The bill, authored by Congressman Mark Takano, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, would implement automatic enrollment to provide a safety net for servicemembers going through the transition process to civilian life.
"Accessing the services they've earned, especially medical care, is one of the biggest hurdles facing veterans after they transition to civilian life, which too often has life-altering or deadly consequences," said Rep. Sherrill. "This bill simplifies the transition process for all veterans and eliminates some of the bureaucratic barriers that may prevent them from being able to access the care they need. We owe it to every single servicemember who gave their all for our country to carry out the promises we make to them. I'm proud to have voted for this legislation that will help us do exactly that."
Under the previous system, the onus was on the individual veteran to enroll in the patient enrollment system, adding an additional step to the already complex and arduous process of transitioning from military service. The bill, titled the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or the "EVEST Act", requires the VA to enroll veterans in the patient enrollment system within 60 days of notification of eligibility. Additionally, within 60 days of enrollment the VA is required to provide Veterans with a notice of enrollment and instructions for opting out of enrollment.
Rep. Sherrill is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served as Navy helicopter pilot for almost 10 years. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
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