Veterans in danger of suicide can go to any Veterans Affairs or non-Veterans Affairs health care facility to see emergency care for free.
The Department of Veterans Affairs says up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care will be covered. The department says outpatient care will be free for up to 90 days.
“This expansion of care will save veterans’ lives and there is nothing more important than that,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Dennis McDonough.
Ex-servicemen who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of service are eligible. It is not given to those who were dishonorably discharged.
In addition to seeking help at any health care facility, veterans are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988. They can speak to a trained crisis specialist after pressing option 1.
Latest figures show that there were 6,145 veteran suicides in 2020. According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, that was 343 fewer than the previous year. Fewer veterans died by suicide in 2020 than in any other year since 2006, the report said.
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