Taking care of our veterans is a priority for Ohioans. But despite our best efforts, there is still a health care coverage cap that leaves thousands of them without the resources they deserve.

According to a report by WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says approximately 29,200 veterans in Ohio — those who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan — are not registered for health care coverage.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports more than 602,000 veterans lived in the Buckeye State in 2022. With that perspective, it’s tempting to say the less-than 5% without health care enrollment is not a significant problem. But that would be doing a disservice to those who were willing to give everything and now may need a little help.

Our local veterans organizations do a fantastic job connecting those who served with the resources to which they are entitled. Ellen Graf, chief of patient business services at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, had a few pointers when she spoke with WCPO.

For example, take advantage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022. The act meant more presumptive conditions were given automatic coverage to veterans stationed or deployed in specific locations.

“We’ve come up with the need to reach out to our veterans who have these conditions, to say you need to come in and get taken care of,” Graf told the news station.

To that end, the Cincinnati VA sends out its mobile unit to visit large employers — some of them monthly — to give out information, answer questions about enrollment and talk about toxic exposure.

Outreach doesn’t always have to be a big, rolling production, however. Sometimes it is a friend or family member asking a veteran whether they need help finding out more about how to get enrolled. Sometimes it’s a church or library hosting a workshop to walk veterans through the steps to take here: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.

Veterans dedicated their lives to service — for others. They aren’t always the greatest at taking care of their own needs. They may need a little nudge, but surely we can help close the enrollment gap so that EVERYONE who has earned it gets the health care they deserve.