By now, you've probably heard that starting in October 1998, all veterans are encouraged to apply for enrollment in the VA healthcare system (see the box for exceptions to this rule). But-rest assured-you won't lose your eligibility for VA medical care if you don't apply for enrollment by October 1, 1998.

In fact, if you received VA healthcare services after October 1, 1996, you don't need to do a thing. We'll automatically process an application for you.

What steps must you take to apply? The process is simple. Just contact your nearest VA healthcare facility for an application. Or, for your convenience, simply apply the next time you visit a VA medical facility for care. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to receive primary care and other preventive and specialized services from a team of VA healthcare providers.

How soon do you have to apply? Although the new enrollment process is already under way, your enrollment status will not currently interfere with your ability to access VA healthcare. And while we encourage you to apply soon, remember that you can apply at any time.

For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS or contact your nearest VA healthcare facility.

You are not required to enroll if:

• You have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more
• You were discharged from military service less than a year ago for a disability that the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and which has not yet been rated by VA
• You are seeking care from the VA only for a service-connected disability