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On January 17, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced any Veteran in suicidal crisis can go to any emergency room to get medical care.

Below we break down what this means for you and your loved ones should you need emergent suicidal care.

Regardless of VA enrollment status, the following are eligible to have their medical expenses covered by VA:

Veterans who were dishonorably discharged may still seek emergent suicidal care at a VA or non-VA emergency room, however, VA will not cover the expenses.

Veterans or their loved ones should do the following in the event of an emergent suicidal crisis:

Emergencies are never planned so it’s important you and your loved ones know where the closest emergency room is located.

If a Veteran receives a bill for emergency suicide care related care at a VA medical facility, they should contact their local VA patient advocate and ask for a clinical review with an

appropriate provider. Veterans can also contact the number on their bill to initiate this process.

Veterans who received COMPACT-related care at a community emergency department should submit a signed, written request for reimbursement to their local VA medical facility community care

office along with an after-visit summary/medical documentation and a billing statement from the rendering provider showing diagnosis code information and an itemized list of charges.

For more information, visit Emergency Medical Care - Community Care (va.gov).