Congressman Joe Morelle Passes Legislation to Address Veteran Suicide and Enhance Healthcare Services

(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass HR 4673, the Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act (EVEST) Act. This legislation allows for automatic enrollment of eligible veterans into the Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system.

“We know that separation from the military can be a stressful time for servicemembers, putting them at a higher risk of mental health challenges,” said Congressman Morelle. “Suicide claims the lives of over 7,000 active-duty service members and veterans every single year. This is a crisis that is tearing apart families across America, and we must do more to stop it. Automatic enrollment in the VA following separation will provide the resources necessary to ensure no veteran is left behind.”

Currently, transitioning servicemembers are required to register with the VA proactively by phone or online. Often, they are not aware of their eligibility status and fail to enroll. This leaves them without support at a time when they need it most. Not only will VA enrollment provide vital mental health resources, but also the basic healthcare necessary as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. No veteran should have to go into medical debt because they weren’t aware of their eligibility.

The EVEST Act requires the Department of Defense to provide the Veterans Administration with the data necessary for enrollment. Veterans will be provided notice of coverage within 60 days and given the ability to opt-out.

If you are a veteran in crisis or have concerns about a loved one in the military, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.