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NEWBERRY, Mich. -- Area veterans and their families are invited to attend upcoming informational events to learn about expanded health care benefits now available through the Department of Veterans Affairs following the passage of the federal PACT Act.
Signed into law in 2022, the PACT Act has significantly expanded eligibility guidelines for VA health care. The updated regulations offer services such as free hearing aids, eyeglasses and affordable health care options. Prescription medication copayments under the plan start at $8 and are capped at $33, though many veterans may qualify for care with no out-of-pocket costs.
The three regional sessions are designed to allow veterans to review their eligibility parameters and enroll on-site. Family members are encouraged to attend, and officials state that veterans who are not currently registered or enrolled in VA care are especially encouraged to participate.
To facilitate on-site enrollment, attendees should bring a DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, their most recent annual income information, a marriage date for married veterans, and dates of birth and Social Security numbers for any legal dependents.
The regional event schedule begins in Newberry on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 7964 State Highway M-123. A second session will take place in Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 3676, 401 W. Portage Ave. The final event is scheduled for St. Ignace on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Post 5114, 1110 N. State St.
Residents seeking additional information can contact the Public Affairs Office at 906-774-3300, extension 32001. Information is also available online via the VA Iron Mountain Health Care pressroom, va.gov/iron-mountain-health-care/news-releases.