HOUSE PASSES EVEST ACT

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.

"Today, the House took an important step to simplify the transition process and help prevent veteran suicide by passing EVEST Act," said Congressman Boyle. "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."

Quick facts about the EVEST Act

• EVEST was passed in the House of Representatives on January 20, 2022, by a vote of 265 – 163.
• This legislation automatically enrolls eligible servicemembers in VA healthcare during their transition out of the military, thereby simplifying the transition process and taking critical steps toward preventing veteran suicide.
• This legislation has nothing to do with a veteran's eligibility – nor does it change VA standards or who is eligible. It only connects eligible veterans to VA care faster and easier.
• EVEST is endorsed by the 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.
• Every Member of the PA Delegation (except for Reps. Smucker, Perry, and Meuser) voted in favor of this legislation.
• EVEST was introduced by Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, Mark Takano (CA-41).

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.