Skip to Content

Post-9/11 Combat Veterans, Don’t Miss this Special Health Care Enrollment Period

The one-year special health care enrollment period for post-9/11 combat Veterans ends Sept. 30, 2023.

A Veteran being introduced to additional benefits at his local VAYou may already know the PACT Act expands health care eligibility for many Veterans. One group that may be eligible for expanded benefits are post-9/11 Veterans. A one-year special health care enrollment period for post-9/11 combat Veterans will end September 30, 2023. Help spread the word before the special enrollment period ends.

Post-9/11 Veterans health care eligibility

If you meet the requirements below, you can enroll in VA health care before October 1, 2023. To be eligible, one of the following must be true:

  • You served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or

  • You served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998

And both of these must be true:

  • You were discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, and

  • You haven’t enrolled in VA health care before

Post-9/11 Veterans discharged or released on or after October 1, 2013, are not subject to the special enrollment period but can enroll within 10 years of their separation or discharge date. Review more eligibility requirements on VA.gov.

We encourage Veterans to apply, no matter their separation date. Your eligibility depends on your service history and other factors.

Sign in to manage your health

If you’re already enrolled in VA health care and have questions about what the PACT Act might mean for you, VA can help. Send a secure message on My HealtheVet to ask who you can talk to about the PACT Act. 

Learn more about messages on My HealtheVet

You can also view and organize your health information, like your providers and closest VA facility.

In 2025, you'll need to use a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to My HealtheVet and other VA tools. 

Sign in or create an account

You must be a VA patient to access some parts of your VA health record. If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply now. 

Learn how to apply for VA health care

Please vote in our unscientific poll. All responses are anonymous.