VA reopening enrollment to thousands of veterans

The Department of Veterans' Affairs, which has nearly 8 million veterans enrolled in its healthcare system, will welcome nearly 266,000 more veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country.

Under a new regulation that became effective June 15, the VA will enroll veterans whose income exceeds current  threshholds by up to 10 percent.

"This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA healthcare for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those veterans already enrolled in VA's healthcare system," said Gerald Cross, the VA's acting undersecretary for health. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 veterans."

Some veterans were excluded from VA healthcare enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on those with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for those being seen for their service-connected disabilities.

Veterans who have applied for VA healthcare but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshhold formula. Those who applied before 2009 but were rejected due to income must reapply.

The VA will contact affected veterans through a direct-mail campaign, veterans service organizations and a national and regional marketing campaign.