VA Announces Veterans Now Eligible for Acute Suicidal Crisis Care Under COMPACT Act of 2020

PHOENIX (January 17, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that as a result of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020, also known as the COMPACT Act of 2020, Veteran coverage for acute suicidal crisis care has expanded. As of Jan. 17, 2023, emergent suicide care for eligible Veterans in acute suicidal crisis at a VA or non-VA facility is a covered benefit.

According to VA, Veterans who meet certain criteria are now eligible for urgent care or emergent care if it is an acute suicidal crisis. Eligibility information is available at VA's emergency medical care website, as well as additional guidance to learn more about this important benefit for Veterans seeking COMPACT-related care.

VA CCN providers can also find valuable information on this benefit in TriWest’s CCN Urgent Care & Emergency Care Quick Reference Guide.

For more information on the acute suicidal crisis care benefit for Veterans through the COMPACT Act, read the full VA announcement.