The Save Lives Act recently signed into law by President Joe Biden tremendously expands the VA’s authority to provide COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans, regardless of their VA enrollment status. Additionally, the new law authorizes the VA to vaccinate Veteran spouses, caregivers, and some beneficiaries.
While this new law is certainly great news for all Veterans, even those not currently enrolled in the VA health care system, those interested should contact their local VA medical center to determine the availability of the vaccine. The new demand may outstrip the current vaccine supply to VA medical centers, at least in the short term.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Save Lives Act increases the number of eligible individuals to get the vaccine from the VA from 9.5 million to more than 33 million. To meet the expected surge in demand, the VA estimates it will need a minimum of 300,000 first or single doses of COVID-19 weekly to vaccinate an additional 3 million Veterans who are enrolled but not currently using VA health care. The VA further estimates it will need an estimated 600,000 first, or single doses, of vaccine weekly to further vaccinate all individuals covered in the Save Lives Act.
Also, the Save Lives Act prioritizes the groups now eligible for the vaccine from the VA:
Non-enrolled Veterans, including those without service-connected disabilities and with incomes above VA’s threshold
Overseas Veterans who rely on the Foreign Medical Program
Veteran caregivers enrolled in a variety of VA care programs
Department of VA civilian health and medical programs recipients
Veteran spouses
So, while this bill offers vaccination relief, especially to those veterans not currently enrolled with the VA, contact your nearest VA medical center to determine vaccine availability for you, your care provider, and your spouse.
For additional information, visit: Save Lives- VA Long Beach Healthcare System.