To Combat Suicides, All Veterans Can Now Get Free Emergency Care

[fooferdoggie]

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that U.S. military veterans who are in "acute suicidal crisis" are eligible for free emergency mental health services at a VA facility or through private practice starting today. It's estimated that 18 million people are covered by the new policy and they do not have to be enrolled in the VA system.

NBC News: Starting Tuesday, All U.S. Military Veterans In Suicidal Crisis Will Be Eligible For Free Care At Any VA Or Private FacilityBeginning Tuesday, U.S. military veterans who find themselves in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free emergency medical care at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or any private facility. Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible. More than 18 million veterans in the U.S. could be eligible. (Kube, 1/13)

Axios: Veterans Eligible For Free Emergency Suicide Care Starting Jan. 17Any U.S. military veteran in "acute suicidal crisis" will be able to access emergency health care at any facility for free starting next week, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced Friday. (Chen, 1/13)

To Combat Suicides, All Veterans Can Now Get Free Emergency Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that U.S. military veterans who are in “acute suicidal crisis” are eligible for free emergency mental health services at a VA facility or th…

khn.org

 

[Alli]

Why wait until it’s acute? Why don’t they offer this proactively?

 

[Eric]

Why wait until it’s acute? Why don’t they offer this proactively?

Because if you aren't either in the womb or actively fighting in a war, Republicans couldn't care less about you. What these vets have to face when coming back to the richest nation on the planet is horrific, we even have ads on TV asking for donations just to get these people who've given everything for their country basic services. I don't see how that doesn't outrage everyone.

If you are asked to give the ultimate sacrifice for your country then the Government should be prepared to spend just as much time and money on your recovery and basic needs, including mental health, as long as necessary after your return.