The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability (Choice) Act required VA hospitals to start implementation of Choice Program by Nov. 5, 2014. Today veterans who live 40 or more miles away from a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility will have the opportunity to choose whether to receive their health care at VA or in their community. Veterans who live within 40 miles of a VA medical facility, but who are unable to obtain an appointment within 30 days, will begin receiving their cards later this month. VA hospitals have begun issuing Veterans Choice Cards and expect all veterans who were enrolled in the VA health care system on Aug. 1, 2014, will receive their cards by January 2015.
However, receiving a Veterans Choice Card does not instantly authorize you to start receiving health care from non-VA doctors. All care received through the Choice Program must be pre-authorized and coordinated by the VA. Once you received your Veterans Choice Card, call the hot line to verify your eligibility and start receiving timely health care. The VFW is working with VA and other stakeholders to ensure the program is implemented successfully. There is still much work to be done, and we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more. Please help spread the word and inform other veterans of their choice.
VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Applications Open: The VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently announced a fellowship program to bring up to 10 student veterans to storm the halls of Congress alongside VFW’s advocates this March. Those interested must complete an application no later than Dec. 31, 2014, to include an essay highlighting one of the VFW’s Legislative Priority Goals and what it means to the veterans’ community today. Applicants must also be VFW members in good standing who are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university with an active SVA chapter.
In line with Veterans helping Veterans, I recently received a phone call from an Afghanistan veteran asking for help, as the Mineola School Board was going to hold a public hearing and vote on providing veterans with a reduction on their school taxes and he was looking for support from a veteran. I told him I would be there and called the Post Commander and Quartermaster in Mineola and requested members appear. In total, 20 members, including myself, were in attendance at the meeting to speak and the resolution was approved with 100 percent of the vote.
For help, information or questions call Bob Fullam at 516 694-5539 or email VFWBob516@aol.com.
