MEDIA ADVISORY: AARP and VA Holding a Tele-Town Hall on The PACT Act for Veterans

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: 
July 10, 2023

CONTACT: 
Jamie Harding, JHarding@aarp.org, 205-470-1265

* MEDIA ADVISORY *

AARP Hosts Tele-Town Hall on PACT Act Benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Tele-Town Hall to Highlight How the PACT Act Expands Veterans’ Benefits and How Veterans Can Receive Retroactive Benefits Before VA's August Application Deadline

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 3 p.m. EDT

WHAT:  AARP will host a tele-town hall with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to share information with veterans, caregivers and military families about the PACT Act, a new law expanding VA health care benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

The tele-town hall will address questions on how to apply for PACT Act benefits and receive retroactive benefits before the application deadline on Aug. 10, 2023. This important deadline means eligible veterans will be paid the amount they would have received from Aug. 10, 2022, when the legislation took effect, through the date their application was granted.

This event will also highlight key resources and free tools such as AARP’s Health Benefits Navigator. For more information on AARP’s resources for veterans and military families, visit AARP.org/Veterans.

WHO:  Pete Jeffries, National Director, Veterans and Military Families Initiative, AARP
John Boerstler, Chief Veterans Experience Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

WHEN:            Tuesday, July 11, 3-3:45 EDT

WHERE:         Public Toll-Free Dial-in Number: 1-833-998-1734

Live audio-only program:

• Pinless Participant / Listen in / Extra staff: 833-998-1734
• Participant / Listen in / Extra staff: 877-229-8493; PIN: 122398

For media inquiries, please contact Alex Guerin at aguerin@aarp.org and Jamie Harding at JHarding@aarp.org.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.