What Is the Compact Act and How Does It Affect Veterans?

What is the Compact Act?

An effort to aid veterans who were honorably discharged with mental crisis assistance, the Compact Act went into effect on January 17, 2023 and looks to help veterans who need mental health assistance in times of crisis.

The Compact Act allows veterans to get no-cost mental health treatment at both Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA facilities. The goal of the Compact Act is to prevent veteran suicide by offering no-cost care.

Who will Benefit?

All veterans who have been honorably discharged are eligible for mental health treatment under the Compact Act. This includes those who are not currently enrolled in the VA.

The Compact Act also applies to discharged members that suffered physical assault of sexual nature and sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces. Former members of the armed forces who were in active duty for more than 100 day and were discharged for any reason other than dishonorable also qualify for the Compact Act.

What does the Compact Act Cover?

The Compact Act covers both inpatient and outpatient mental health services. The Compact act covers the suicide crisis care, transportation, treatment and aftercare for qualifying veterans.

The covered inpatient stay can be up to 30 days long at either VA and non-VA facilities. The outpatient treatment can be up to 90 days of covered care at either VA and non-VA facilities.

The Compact Act also can assist in the referral process and emergency suicide prevention care treatment for those eligible.

The Compact Act is going to benefit thousands of veterans and help lower the suicide rates in the United States veteran population. There is no longer a reason to put off getting mental health services — get the help you need, now.

You can learn more about the Compact Act on the VA website:

https://news.va.gov/press-room/starting-jan-17-veterans-in-suicidal-crisis-can-go-to-any-va-or-non-va-health-care-facility-for-free-emergency-health-care/

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