In 2022, the PACT Act was passed, which expanded direct access to VA health care for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service. This allowed veterans who served in various combat zones, including the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror, to apply for VA health care without needing to first apply for VA benefits.
The impact of this act was particularly felt in Indiana, where there was a more than 37 percent increase in enrollment of military veterans seeking VA health care in just one year. This increase was higher than the national average and resulted in 7,141 more Hoosier veterans being enrolled. Both of Indiana’s U.S. senators voted in favor of the PACT Act, with U.S. Sen. Todd Young cautioning that oversight would be crucial to ensure that the VA was not overwhelmed by the increased demand for health care services.
In response to this increased demand, the department hired over 61,000 people nationally last year, resulting in the highest number of employees the department has ever had. Despite these challenges, the expansion of access to health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances has made a significant difference in the lives of many veterans, including those in Indiana. As a result of this act, more veterans are now able to receive the care they need and live healthier lives as a result.
