The EVEST Act would change federal veterans law to automatically enroll eligible veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system. When VA receives required information transmitted under 10 U.S.C. 1142(e), the Secretary must enroll the veteran within 60 days. After enrollment, VA must notify the veteran within 60 days and provide a mailed notice and, when practical, an electronic copy. Notices must include how to opt out and how to choose to enroll later. The bill applies to veterans discharged or separated on or after 90 days before the enactment date and only when VA receives the required information on or after enactment.
The bill also requires VA to make an electronic certificate of eligibility and an electronic opt-out mechanism available by August 1, 2026. VA must submit a report to the Veterans' Affairs committees within one year after the first automatic enrollment, describing implementation challenges and strategies. The Comptroller General (GAO) must report within 180 days after enactment on the best methods for providing notice, considering veteran age and urban or rural residence.
If you are an eligible veteran whose discharge or separation fits the bill's dates and whose information is sent to VA under 10 U.S.C. 1142(e), VA could enroll you in its patient enrollment system automatically. You would receive a mailed notice and, when practical, an electronic notice telling you that you were enrolled, how to opt out, and how to enroll later if you choose. By August 1, 2026, you should be able to access an electronic certificate of eligibility and use an electronic method to opt out.
No publicly available information on costs or estimated expenses is included in the bill text. The bill does require reports from VA and the GAO, but it does not provide cost estimates or funding details.
No publicly available information on proponents' arguments or statements is included in the bill text or provided metadata.
No publicly available information on opponents' arguments or statements is included in the bill text or provided metadata.