Mental Health Benefits Coverage

by **Kramer** Mon 03 Jan 2022, 13:44

FYI (Courtesy of: Canadian Veterans Advocacy)

Dear Stakeholders,

Starting on 1 April 2022, Veterans living in Canada who apply for a disability benefit for a mental health condition – as well as those who have already applied – will automatically qualify for Mental Health Benefits coverage. Veterans will have up to two years of treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders, or trauma-and-stressor-related disorders. This immediate access to mental health support is part of initiatives for the Veteran community announced in Budget 2021.

With Mental Health Benefits, we will fund Veterans’ mental health services while their disability benefits application is processed. Early intervention and faster access to mental health services will lead to improved health outcomes for Veterans. Mental Health Benefits will provide coverage for prescription drugs, as well as examinations by psychologists, addictions counsellors, social workers, or other approved mental health professionals.

A Notice of Pre-publication to amend the Veterans Health Care Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette tomorrow. These regulatory amendments relate to the “Improving Mental Health Care for Veterans” initiative and support the statutory changes currently being made to the Department of Veterans Affairs Act.

We are looking for comments and feedback from Veterans and others with expertise related to Veterans and their health. Those who would like to learn more about the Mental Health Benefits are invited to attend a technical briefing in mid-January. More details to follow.

Anyone interested is also welcome to submit comments on the amendments to cabinetbusinessunit-unitedinformationducabinet@veterans.gc.ca from 1 January to 30 January 2022. We will consider all comments and possible adjustments before submitting the proposed regulatory amendments to Treasury Board for consideration, and then to the Governor in Council for approval.

Sincerely,

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team
Veterans Affairs Canada
vac.engagement.acc@veterans.gc.ca