The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless Veterans or Veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers  and others in the community.  To be connected with a trained VA staff member call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).

• Call for yourself or someone else
• Free and confidential
• Trained VA counselors to assist
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• We have information about VA homeless programs and mental health services in your area that can help you.

What will happen when You call?

• You will be connected to a trained VA staff member.
• Hotline staff will conduct a brief screen to assess your needs.
• Homeless Veterans will be connected with the Homeless Point of Contact at the nearest VA facility.
• Family members and non-VA providers calling on behalf of a homeless Veteran will be provided with information regarding the homeless programs and services available.
• Contact information will be requested so staff may follow-up.

Article Source:  National Call Center

American Legion posted February 3, 2010:

Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law the Veterans’ Emergency Fairness Act of 2009. This important legislation amends existing statutes to allow the VA to reimburse eligible veterans for portions of emergency treatment that are not covered by their private insurance. Before this change in law, VA could only pay outside hospitals directly, or reimburse veterans in cases where they did not have private health insurance.

“Many veterans enrolled in VA health care have limited private health insurance, and this new legislation helps to correct previous inequities in the law, and helps to ensure that a trip to the emergency room doesn’t cause financial ruin for those who honorably and selflessly served this nation,” said American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill.

“The American Legion appreciates Congress recognizing the need for this legislation and the president for acting quickly to sign it into law,” said Hill.

This legislation, introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka, D- Hawaii, also allows VA to reimburse veterans retroactively for emergency care received before the bill’s passage.