The ACT for Veterans Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3644, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve access to mental health services for veterans by expanding the eligibility criteria for receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.
Specifically, the ACT for Veterans Act aims to allow veterans who have received an other-than-honorable discharge to access mental health services at VA facilities. Currently, veterans with other-than-honorable discharges are not eligible for VA care, even if they are experiencing mental health issues related to their service.
The bill also includes provisions to increase outreach efforts to inform veterans of their eligibility for mental health services at VA facilities. This is intended to ensure that all veterans, regardless of their discharge status, are aware of the resources available to them for mental health support.
Overall, the ACT for Veterans Act seeks to address the mental health needs of veterans who may have been previously excluded from VA care due to their discharge status. By expanding eligibility criteria and increasing outreach efforts, this bill aims to provide more comprehensive support for veterans struggling with mental health issues.