VA veteran enrollment events set next week

The Pact Act recently changed the rules of health care eligibility for veterans. In the past, many veterans were told they made too much money or had missed an enrollment deadline. Veterans often believed health care was only available to those who served in combat or were deployed and some felt they were taking benefits away from others or had to give up their private insurance.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to eligibility for VA health care, but the truth is eligibility rules have changed and include such benefits as free or low-cost prescriptions, access to specialty care for hearing and vision, low-cost dental insurance, home care, caregiver support options and more.

A virtual Choose VA Tele Town Hall will be hosted at 5 p.m. Monday detailing eligibility and the many health care benefits. This telephone platform allows VA staff to reach veterans across the entire catchment area of the Upper Peninsula and norther Wisconsin and explain the recent changes in eligibility and highlight services, programs and access to care. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with screeners and presenters.

Pre-registration is required for the event. Those interested can register online at https://admin.teletownhall.us/web_registration/registration/UC5NDBQM89VW or call 906-774-3300, ext. 34849, with their name and telephone number to be added to the list to receive the tele town hall outreach call on Monday.

An in-person Choose VA enrollment event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Enrollment and eligibility staff will enroll eligible veterans on site, and many will leave with their first appointment scheduled.

No pre-registration is required for the drive-up event on Tuesday. Veterans should bring their DD214, proof of income from the previous year, date of marriage (if married), and the Social Security numbers and birth dates of any dependents.

For more information, call the public affairs office at 906-774-3300, ext. 32001, or go to https://www.va.gov/iron-mountain-health-care/.