EVEST Act

This legislation requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to automatically enroll eligible veterans into the Department of Veterans Affairs patient enrollment system. This enrollment must occur within 60 days of receiving necessary veteran information, which is transmitted from the Department of Defense. Following enrollment, the Secretary must provide veterans with notice of their enrollment, instructions on how to opt out, and guidance for electing to enroll at a later date, utilizing both physical and electronic communication methods. The automatic enrollment provisions apply to veterans discharged or separated from the Armed Forces on or after 90 days before the bill's enactment, provided their information is received after enactment. By August 1, 2026, the Secretary must ensure veterans can access an electronic version of their eligibility certificate and an electronic mechanism to opt out of enrollment. Additionally, the bill mandates a VA report on implementation challenges and a Government Accountability Office study on the most effective notice methods, considering factors like veteran age and residence.