As a Veteran, when you experience illness or injury, it’s important to receive mental health care as well as physical healthcare. Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, for example, can experience long-term health issues such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and chronic pain, all of which can be directly connected to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who the PACT Act Helps
The PACT Act helps affected Veterans receive both the physical and mental healthcare they may need. Signed into law on August 10, 2022, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act represents a significant expansion of Veterans’ healthcare benefits. One of the most notable aspects is the expansion of eligibility for VA Health Care. Even Veterans who haven’t previously filed for VA disability benefits can enroll in the VA Health Care system. This opens the door for critical mental health services at no or low cost, including counseling and therapy, inpatient psychiatric care, medication management, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention.
See also: VA Health Care Eligibility Expansion
How the PACT Act Helps Veterans
The PACT Act mandates that the VA presume certain conditions are service-connected, meaning Veterans don’t have to prove the illness was caused by military service. While most of these presumptive conditions are physical, this shift in policy may also help Veterans seeking mental health care, especially those whose psychological distress stems from living with long-term illnesses, such as cancer and respiratory diseases. The Act also includes increased VA funding, part of which is directed toward expanding mental health resources. This includes hiring more mental health professionals, enhancing suicide prevention programs, improving outreach efforts to at-risk and underserved Veterans, and expanding telehealth options for rural and mobility-limited Veterans, which can help reduce long wait times and ensure Veterans receive timely, effective care.
Getting Mental Health Support
Suicide prevention is one of the PACT Act’s most urgent mental health objectives. Veterans exposed to toxic substances often feel abandoned or disbelieved by the system. This isolation can worsen mental health and increase suicide risk. By expanding presumptive conditions and eliminating unnecessary hurdles, the PACT Act helps Veterans feel seen and validated, which plays a critical role in suicide prevention. Funding is also allocated towards peer outreach programs, crisis response training, and community-based support systems.
See also: Veteran Mental Health Resources
Increasing Access for Faster Response
Enabling early detection and intervention for mental health issues by allowing more Veterans access to care early, the PACT Act supports the shift toward preventative care, so Veterans no longer need to wait until they are in crisis to receive support. It is a monumental step forward for Veterans’ health, and its impact extends well beyond treatment for physical conditions and illnesses. By increasing access to and investing in comprehensive care, the PACT Act reinforces the nation’s commitment to supporting veterans’ physical and mental health.
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