The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has created a new internet Web Site with information about a variety of military-related health issues. The web site, at http://veterans.iom.edu has separate sections for health care issues affecting the last four major military conflicts--WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. At each section, visitors can read electronic versions of IOM-produced reports or purchase publications. Another section contains studies about chemical and biological agents suspected of causing health problems for military members.
CHAMPVA for life and other benefits will be posted to VA"s Health Adminstration Center Web site at
Sec. Principi has suspended additional enrollments for veterans with the lowest statutory priority. This category includes veterans who are not being compensated for a military-related disability and who have higher incomes. The suspension of enrollment affects only veterans in the Priority group 8, the lowest group in VA"s eight level system. Priority Group 8 veterans already enrolled will be "grandfathered" and allowed to continue in the system.
Work is underway with the Dept of Health and Human Services to determine how to give Priorty Group 8 veterans 65 or older who cannot enroll in VA's health care system access to the "VA+Choice Medicare" plan. The plan calls for VA to participate as a Medicare+choice provider. Eligible veterans would be able to us their Medicare benefits to obtain care from the VA.
FOR INFORMATION ON THE MARE ISLAND VA CLINIC: Call (707)562-8200
American troops and their families now have more financial security, thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) new Service members' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) program. Prudential Financial Inc., the insurer under the program, began making payments under this new program. The TSGLI payments, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, are made to service members who have suffered certain traumatic injuries while on active duty.
VA's website at www.insurance.va.gov or to call the Office of Service members' Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473 for more information.
Medication Co-Pay Hike
VA Co-payments for outpatient medicines will rise $1.00. Effective 1 Jan 2006.
The increase is $8.00 from $7.00 is for a 30 day supply.
The increase will not affect veterans with a 50% or greater disability.
Combat-Related Special Compensation Act
This legislation expands Combat Related Special Compensation to those who were medically retired with less than 20 years of service. Should the bill pass, the same CRSC rules would apply for all Chapter 61 retirees regardless of years of service.
Currently, only members who served long enough to retire independent of any disability are eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation.
