Small Things Can Matter in the Worst of Times Buried within the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (PL 118-31) passed at the last moment and signed into law on 22 December 2024, is a provision in Section 702 called the “Extension Of Period Of Eligibility For Health Benefits Under Tricare Read more…
An analysis by the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR) recently reported 2016 marks the first year of zero combat amputations since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began. Source: 2016 marks first year of zero combat amputations since the start of the Afghan, Iraq wars | Health.mil ### As of Read more…
On the morning of 14 November at Lehigh University’s Mountaintop Campus, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council is hosting a special physician and advanced practitioner training symposium through its Healthcare in Our Community alliance – one of a series of events that week. It is possibly the first time nationally Read more…
The 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…)
Researchers at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence on the campus of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, are currently recruiting for a study in which they provide free evidence-based therapy to OEF/OIF military veterans, service members, guardsmen, and reservists experiencing combat-related PTSD. (more…)
Healthcare Providers Seek to Identify Veterans to Improve Their CareLEHIGH VALLEY, PA; November 6, 2013 – An alliance of every hospital in the Lehigh Valley, created by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) in 2011, is announcing an initiative to identify veterans during the hospital registration process. Much in the same way patients are asked if they feel safe in their home, all adult patients soon will be asked whether they are a veteran. Completion is targeted for 31 March 2014. (more…)
On 20 June 2013 at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) hosted the second annual Executive Steering Committee Conference on the subject of local military veteran healthcare. All the hospital networks in the Lehigh Valley were represented, including the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, the local supporting Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network. (more…)
TRICARE Management Recommends Quarterly or Monthly Payments Due to Possible Changes
In a 23 July media release, TRICARE announced the Fiscal Year 2013 TRICARE Prime enrollment fee increases for uniformed service retirees and their families will go into effect 1 October 2012.
For all retirees, the annual enrollment fees for 2013 will be:
– $269.28 for retirees
– $538.56 for retirees and their family members (more…)
President of Vietnam Veterans of America’s State Council Addresses the Council
Larry Holman, the President of the State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, spoke to the Council at its 21 March business meeting on the topic of the “Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) — Not Forgetting Its or the Next Generations.”
First, he explained its origins. VVA came into being because existing veterans organizations at the time were not always welcoming to returning Vietnam veterans – many felt rejected. However, it did not really get started as an organization until the late 1970’s, early 1980’s. It realized there was strength in numbers. Out of their own experiences, came its founding principle and its motto: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” More on its history can be found on its website.
Mr. Holman stated VVA is an active organization and an outspoken advocate for the current generation of war veterans. There is good reason. There are concerns over hazardous exposures, let alone trauma injuries. (more…)
MR. TERRY GOODYEAR EXPLAINS THE TRICARE PROGRAM
Mr. Terry Goodyear, Educational Specialist for HealthNet Federal Services LLC, which manages the TRICARE North contract serving our region, spoke to the Council on 15 February at its business meeting on the subject of TRICARE and the options available.
TRICARE brings together the health care resources of the Military Health System—such as military treatment facilities (MTFs) —with a network of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers. It is a worldwide system managed regionally. (more…)