AARP Launches Digital Tool to Help Pennsylvania’s Veterans Access Health Care

Posted on 12/09/22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 9, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT:

TJ Thiessen, tthiessen@aarp.org, 202-374-8033

AARP Launches Digital Tool to Help Pennsylvania’s Veterans Access Health Care

Health Benefits Navigator will update in real-time with information on new benefits and changes to existing benefits

Harrisburg, PAAARP recently launched an interactive, mobile-friendly Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator to bring together valuable information and resources in real-time to help veterans, military families and their caregivers navigate their health care options.

The Navigator has been expanded to help veterans and their families understand and access new PACT Act benefits and the recently announced new life insurance program from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VALife. The PACT Act, named after a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer, provides additional VA benefits and health services to more than 5 million veterans who were exposed to toxins during Vietnam, the Gulf War and post 9/11 eras. VALife, which is also expected to extend eligibility to millions of veterans, will begin processing applications beginning January 1, 2023.

“These new VA benefits will provide critical health care services to millions of veterans,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. “AARP’s free Veterans Health Benefits Navigator tool can help make the often-challenging application process seamless for veterans and military families as they navigate the new programs to find best path for their health care needs.”

Frustration with the application process and confusion about qualification requirements keep many veterans from receiving their service-related benefits. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 738,577 veterans living in Pennsylvania, only 32% have utilized their earned VA health care benefits. AARP provides Pennsylvania’s veterans with critical information about what is required to qualify for health care benefits from VA, the Department of Defense (DOD) and even Medicare.

Upcoming health care enrollment deadlines:

AARP’s Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator is available at www.AARP.org/VetsHealthNavigator. For more information and other resources for veterans, visit www.aarp.org/veterans.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​

This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the AARP Pennsylvania page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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