H.R. 4114 · In committee · Armed Forces and National Security

EVEST Act

Sponsor: Mark Takano (D-CA)

What it does

• Amends title 38 to require the VA Secretary to enroll eligible veterans in the patient enrollment system within 60 days of receiving discharge information from the Department of Defense under section 1142(e) of title 10.
• Requires the VA Secretary to notify each automatically enrolled veteran within 60 days with instructions on how to opt out or elect later enrollment, using mail and email, with text messaging considered.
• Directs the VA Secretary to provide electronic access to certificates of eligibility and electronic opt-out mechanisms by August 1, 2026.
• Requires the VA Secretary to report to Congress one year after the first automatic enrollment on implementation challenges, strategies used, and effectiveness.
• Directs the GAO to report within 180 days on best methods for the VA to provide enrollment notices, considering veteran age and urban or rural residence.

Latest action

May 20, 2026: Committee Hearings Held

Committee: House Veterans' Affairs