Ranking Member Takano Introduces EVEST Act to Automatically Enroll Eligible Servicemembers in VA Healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced the Ensuring Veterans’ Smooth Transition, or EVEST Act (H.R. 5416). 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.  

“I'm proud to reintroduce this important, commonsense legislation that will simplify the transition process and cut red tape for transitioning servicemembers,” said Ranking Member 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. I will continue to work to make that a reality.” 

The EVEST Act was also introduced in the 117th Congress and passed the House with bipartisan support.  

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.

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