The Lincoln County Veteran Services Office will hold a health care enrollment “blitz” across the county next week hoping to sign up 100 veterans for expanded healthcare to men and woman exposed to toxic substances during their service.
Under new legislation, veterans exposed to toxic substances and other hazards during their military service at home or abroad will be eligible to enroll directly for Veterans Administration healthcare without first applying for VA benefits. This change eliminates the phased-in approach called for by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, which means millions of veterans nationwide will be eligible for VA health care up to eight years earlier than previously allowed.
On Tuesday, county veterans staff will be at the Driftwood Public Library in Lincoln City from 10 a.m. to noon. Then at the Newport 60+ Activity Center from 3-5 p.m.
On Wednesday, staff will be at the Toledo VFW Post 4227 from 9-11 a.m., then at Café Chill in Waldport from 1-3 p.m.
For more information contact Lincoln County veterans services officer Keith Barnes at 541-265-0570; or more generally visit www.VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411.
