The e-mail message is mistaken in stating that veterans who fail to register will become ineligible for care for life. There is no lifetime restriction on receiving care. Current law as enacted in 1996 does encourage veterans to register to receive VA care and does state that veterans who are not enrolled will be ineligible to receive care for the coming year.

Let me reassure you on a number of counts. First of all, the requirement that veterans be enrolled or registered with VA to receive care does not in any way affect veterans who have a service-connected condition rated at 50% or above. Those of you in this category will continue to receive VA care whether you are enrolled or not. Also, any service-connected veteran (regardless of the severity of the service-related condition) seeking care specifically for that condition does not need to enroll. VA informs us that veterans who have received VA care at any time since October 1996 are already considered to be registered and are not required to take further action. Those who have not received VA care since October 1996 but want to preserve that option may register with a VA Medical Center and be considered for enrollment.

It is my understanding that facilities have brochures and posters notifying veterans of the need to register. Additionally, we have urged veterans service organizations to "get the word out" to their members about this change in law. Therefore, if you are non-service connected or are service-connected below 50% and anticipate receiving VA care, it may be in your best interest to register for enrollment.

That said, however, it is clear that the provisions of law relating to the enrollment process deserve further scrutiny. I will be looking at different ways to improve the law throughout the remainder of this second session of the 105^th Congress.

I trust that this letter will address the concerns many of you have on this issue.

Sincerely,

BOB STUMP

Chairman