VA to pay for all emergency mental health care

As of Jan. 17, all veterans can access emergency mental health care free of charge at any Department of Veterans Affairs or non-VA health care facility, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the VA health care system.

The new policy applies to all veterans with any separation status except a dishonorable discharge, regardless of whether they qualify for other VA medical services. Under this policy, the VA will either waive costs for care or — in cases of visits outside the VA system — provide reimbursements for emergency mental health care. Those costs include appointment fees, transportation costs and other related follow-up expenses.