Healthcare

LVMAC Tidbit — Uncle Dod Needs Your Help

USAMRMC logoThe U.S. Army’s Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is responsible to the Department of Defense (DoD) for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), which is charged with finding and funding often leading-edge, medical research for new devices and treatments for the many injuries and illnesses sustained by our military, veterans; and ultimately the American public.  This little known but well-regarded effort has been in existence since 1995.  It now seeks your help.  In light of all the actions this Council has taken to improve the health of our veterans, we think this is a government effort worthy of your consideration.

One of the notable features of CDMRP is that it reviews proposed new ideas using citizens on review panels to help recommend which efforts would make the most important and positive differences in people’s lives. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC News — LVMAC Healthcare Alliance Seeks Executive Assistant

HOC Official Logo 2013Job Announcement

The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) is seeking a part-time Executive Assistant for the Veterans Affairs Committee’s Healthcare in Our Community Task Force, an alliance of all the healthcare networks in our community aimed at improving the delivery of services to our military veterans.  The complexity of the project has now risen to the level that demands on the time of participants is such that dedicated, dependable administrative assistance manpower is needed to assistance. If interested, apply immediately!
 (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — The VA Fixes the Veterans Choice Card’s “How the Crow Flies” Issue

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Few doubt that Congress had a point in wanting the Veterans Choice Card provision in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA) — excessive delays in service merited this temporary measure — but it seems also to have  rushed the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether unfairly or not.  In its haste to respond to short deadlines, the VA has made some poor regulatory decisions along the way. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — VA Health Care Expands Eligibility

va_sealJust announced on 17 March 2015 and effective as of 2015, the VA has eliminated the use of net worth as a determining factor for both health care programs and copayment responsibilities. The intention is to make the program more accessible to low-income veterans.  The VA estimates this may affect only 190,000 Veterans over a five year period, but VA estimates can be wrong. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — New VA Policy on Military Sexual Trauma Is in Place

va_sealWhile little mention of it has occurred locally, it is important for some veterans to know, as of 1 December 2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under the authority from the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (aka VACAA or Public Law 113-146; and the same authority which introduced Veterans Choice Cards) has expanded eligibility for military veterans, male or female, in need of mental health care due to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during their military service, now commonly referred to as military sexual trauma (MST).  Dr. Adelman, the new Director of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Network, assures us the program is fully operating in his network.

The change in policy primarily affects Reservists and National Guard members participating in weekend drills, (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Home-based Primary Care Program Begins at the Allentown VA Clinic!

va_sealAbout September 2014, the Allentown Outpatient Clinic began offering Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) according to Dr. Adelman, the new Director of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.  He announced it during an 18 December meeting of the Veterans Advisory Group at the clinic.

The mission of HBPC is to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary primary care in the homes of veterans with complex medical conditions when routine, clinic-based care would not be effective or practicable. Consequently, the program focuses on the frail and chronically ill who require interdisciplinary care and ensures the necessary continuity and coordination of the care occurs at home as much as possible. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — VA and Blue Star Mothers Chatting on 17 December About CHAMPVA!

va_sealAre you the spouse or child of a Veteran?  You may qualify for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA), which can reimburse you for doctor’s visits, mental health care, prescriptions, and many other services.  Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center would like you to know that on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, from 7–8 p.m. Eastern, VA and Blue Star Families (a nonprofit organization not related to Blue Star Mothers) will host a Facebook chat about VA benefits for Veterans’ spouses, dependents, and survivors.  Anyone with a Facebook account can take part and it is not too late to sign up.  The instructions follow: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago