The COMPACT Act, which was signed into law in 2023, is a crucial piece of legislation that provides mental health coverage for veterans. This act allows any veteran, whether they are enrolled in the VA system or not, to seek emergency mental health care at a VA or non-VA emergency room for urgent suicidal needs at no cost to the veteran. Under the act, the VA will provide treatment or cover the costs of treatment, which may include transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days.
For veterans who want to learn more about this important legislation and how it can benefit their mental health services, there is an upcoming town hall event on April 17 in Boise. The town hall will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Boise VA Medical Center in the Learning Resource Center (Building 29 on the VA campus). For those who are unable to attend in person, there is also an option to participate virtually through an online link. To join the meeting on Microsoft Teams or call in (audio only), use the phone conference ID number 853 052 710#.
During this event, veterans will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and connect with resources that can support their mental health and well-being. They will be able to ask questions about the act and its provisions and gain a better understanding of their options for accessing care during a mental health crisis. This town hall event is an excellent opportunity for veterans who are interested in learning more about the COMPACT Act and how it can benefit them and their fellow veterans.
