WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Veterans Affairs has enrolled 745 Wyoming veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days — 35.44% more than it enrolled the previous year, according to a department release. Nationally, VA enrolled 401,006 veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days — 30% more than the 307,831 it enrolled the previous year. This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020.

This historic enrollment has been made possible by the PACT Act, which has allowed VA to expand VA health care and benefits to millions of veterans. VA is also conducting the most aggressive outreach campaign in its history, including hosting over 2,600 events since the passage of the PACT Act, launching a $16 million advertising campaign, using public service announcements, and — for the first time ever — sending text messages to veterans encouraging them to enroll in VA health care. VA is continuing these aggressive outreach efforts throughout 2024, with more than 550 in-person events already scheduled for this year.

According to the release, veterans who receive VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Additionally, VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for veterans. In total, VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more veterans than ever before in our nation’s history, setting an all-time record for health care appointments provided in 2023.

“We want every eligible veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes — and pay less — than veterans who don’t,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting veterans where they are — hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more — to get them to come to VA. This aggressive outreach campaign has led more veterans to enroll in VA care than during any year in at least a decade, and we’re not slowing down now.” 

“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for veterans, so we want all eligible veterans to enroll today,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “Our clinicians know veterans — they often are veterans — and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”

VA recently expanded health care eligibility for millions of veterans nationwide, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. As of March 5, all veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military and meet certain requirements became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This means that all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. VA also recently expanded health care to all World War II veterans. 

VA encourages all veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to learn more about VA and apply for their world-class health care and earned benefits today.

For more information about VA care, visit VA’s health care website. For more information about the impact of the PACT Act, visit VA’s PACT Act dashboard.

Veterans across Wyoming invited to town hall April 23

SHERIDAN, Wyoming — Pam Crowell, director of the Sheridan Veterans Affairs Health Care System, invites veterans, their families, caregivers and community members to a virtual town hall Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. Attendees will hear updates from facility leaders, information about travel and upcoming veteran events. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions live during the event. The town hall will take place over the phone, online and on Facebook.

How to take part

Many Veterans who are enrolled in the Sheridan VA Health Care System will receive a recorded message notifying them of the event two days before the town hall, then again at the time of the event. Those individuals simply need to stay on the line following the April 23 call and they will be connected to the town hall.

For veterans who don’t receive the call, and for anyone interested in taking part, there are three options.

1. Those who use Facebook will be able to listen in and access slides for the event at facebook.com/SheridanVAMC/ .

2. Veterans may also join the event online and see the slides at access.live/SheridanVA

3. The third option to participate is by calling 855-962-1472 at 5 p.m. on April 23.