S.Amdt. 5828

This amendment aims to create a pre-transition health care registration system to make it easier for members of the Armed Forces to get health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after they leave military service.

The amendment intends to add the following to the bill:

• Automatic Registration: The Secretary shall automatically register members in the pre-transition system no later than 180 days before their expected separation.

• Enrollment Support: Within 30 days after separation, the Secretary must help covered individuals complete their enrollment in the patient enrollment system and offer to schedule an initial health appointment.

• Outreach Efforts: The Secretary must conduct outreach to members before they separate to explain registration and available services. After enrollment, the Secretary must contact individuals who haven't scheduled an appointment within 180 days.

• System Improvements: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must establish an automated process for registration and ensure the enrollment process is simple and streamlined to support physical and mental health and reduce veteran suicide.

• Coordination and Reporting: The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to include this system in the Transition Assistance Program and mandates several reports to Congress regarding the implementation, feasibility of pre-separation appointments, and enrollment improvements.

• Voluntary Participation: The text explicitly states that no member or veteran is required to use VA services or enroll in the patient enrollment system.