Historic Progress for Veteran Health Care: Reviewing the Achievements of the PACT Act
A White House press release issued by the Biden-Harris administration commemorated Veterans Day by highlighting the record-breaking benefits and health care access available to US veterans through the PACT Act.
The PACT Act represents the most substantial and historic increase in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources and care for toxic-exposed veterans in over 3 decades. The act aims to increase access to health care for veterans by expanding assistance, addressing veteran homelessness, supporting student veterans with educational opportunities, and more.
“More than 796 000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care since the PACT Act was signed into law — a nearly 37% increase over the previous equivalent period,” the VA announced in a press release reviewing advancements made in the fiscal year of 2024.2
The VA delivered $187 billion in earned benefits to 6.7 million veterans and survivors in 2024. A record-breaking 2.51 million disability claims were processed, and the VA provided more than 131 million health care appointments, over 6 million dental procedures, and assistance to over 88 095 family caregivers.2
The Biden-Harris administration announced intentions to continue building on the foundation of the PACT Act through efforts such as increasing the types of cancers considered presumptive for VA disability benefits.
“…Veteran homelessness has reached its lowest point on record, marking a 7.5% reduction in veteran homelessness in the last year alone and 55.6% percent reduction since 2010. Additionally, the Department of Education is announcing $9 million in funding to support student veterans,” stated a White House press release.1
The PACT Act has made significant strides in increasing access to health care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans, but there is still work to be done to ensure all veterans receive the best care and benefits possible.
“Veterans deserve the very best from VA and our nation, and we will never settle for anything less,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We’re honored that more Veterans are getting their earned health care and benefits from VA than ever before, but make no mistake: there is still work to do. We will continue to work each and every day to earn the trust of those we serve — and ensure that all Veterans, their families, and their survivors get the care and benefits they so rightly deserve.”2
Reference
- FACT SHEET: To mark Veterans Day, Biden-Harris Administration highlights historic care, benefits & new actions to support veterans and their families. News release. Whitehouse.gov. Published November 11, 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/11/11/fact-sheet-to-mark-veterans-day-biden-harris-administration-highlights-historic-care-benefits-new-actions-to-support-veterans-and-their-families-2/
- VA delivered all-time record care and benefits to veterans in fiscal year 2024. News Release. VA.gov. Published October 29, 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-delivered-all-time-record-care-and-benefits-to-veterans-in-fiscal-year-2024/
