House Passes Chairman Takano’s EVEST Act

Bill will automatically enroll eligible servicemembers in VA healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4673, as amended, the Ensuring Veterans’ Smooth Transition, or EVEST Act with bipartisan support. By automatically enrolling eligible servicemembers in VA healthcare during their transition out of the military, the EVEST Act will simplify the transition process and take critical steps toward preventing veteran suicide. The EVEST Act has the support of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, the American Federation of Government Employees, the Veterans Health Policy Institute, and the American Psychological Association. See full bill text here. 

“Today, the House took an important step to simplify the transition process and help prevent veteran suicide by passing my EVEST Act,” said Chairman Takano. “We know that the months following a transition out of the military can be very stressful and particularly risky for new veterans in terms of mental health. One of the most glaring gaps in accessing high quality VA healthcare is the enrollment process—with EVEST, we can eliminate that gap. Veterans Service Organizations and stakeholders have been trying to advance automatic enrollment in VA healthcare for years. With today’s bipartisan vote, we brought that goal one step closer to reality.” 

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