BEnefits Corner
2019 FEDERAL AND STATE BENEFIT UPDATES
FEDERAL
VA releases free mobile app to streamline health care access for veterans and caregivers
VA launches new health care options under MISSION Act
VA Launchpad for Veterans is a new mobile app that arranges all of VA’s dozens of apps into one convenient location to help manage health care needs. Download the app at: mobile.va.gov/app/va-
The VA launched its new and improved Veterans Community Care Program on June 6, 2019, implementing portions of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 and ending the Veterans Choice Program. For more information: missionact.va.gov.
Veterans Legacy Memorial honors deceased veterans online
Now through March 31, 2020, veterans enrolled with VA can receive a no-cost flu shot at any Walgreens in addition to local VA health care facilities simply by showing their Veterans Health Identification Card and photo ID. For more info: blogs. va.gov/VAntage/66403/free-flu-shots-for-veterans-atyour-local-walgreens.
JThe Veterans Legacy Memorial, the country’s first digital platform dedicated entirely to memory preservation for the millions of veterans interred in VA national cemeteries, launched Aug. 14. Each veteran will have their own memorial page on the VLM platform. Future capabilities may be expanded to allow families, survivors, fellow veterans and others to add historic photos and share memories to a deceased veteran’s memorial page. Visit va.gov/remember.
Smoke-free policy begins October 1 at all VA medical facilities
2019 Caregiver Resource Directory released
Patients, employees, and visitors will begin to see a smoke-free policy at VA health care facilities starting October 1. The policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes (including electronic and e-cigarettes) and vape pens or e-cigars. For tools and tips to quit smoking: veterans.smokefree.gov.
The Department of Defense has released the 2019 Caregiver Resource Directory which includes 114 pages of information on resources and programs, including those that assist caregivers of wounded, ill and injured veterans and service members. Download at warriorcare.dodlive.mil/caregiver-resources.
VA shares electronic health records
OREGON
Free flu shots for veterans at your local Walgreens
As of January 2020, VA will automatically begin sharing veterans’ health information with participating community care providers using the Veterans Health Information Exchange. To opt out, submit VA Form 10-10164 at any VA Medical Center. To learn more and download forms: va.gov/vler. Purple Heart Recipents exempt from VA Home Loan funding fees begining Jan. 2020
If you are in the market for a home loan and have been awarded a Purple Heart you may be able to save thousands of dollars on your loan thanks to a new law that takes effect early next year. Purple Heart recipients will be exempt from the funding fee that the Department of Veterans Affairs charges on their guaranteed home loans starting Jan. 1, 2020. Visit VA’s Home Loan website: www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans.
New text feature available through VA’s Women Veterans Call Center
Women veterans can now text 855-829-6636 to receive answers and guidance about VA services. The Women Veterans Call Center is staffed by trained female VA employees who can link callers to available resources. Visit womenshealth.va.gov/ programoverview/wvcc.asp. VET TEC, a high-tech training pilot program, is now taking veteran applications
VET TEC allows veterans to receive accelerated training in coding bootcamps and similar programs in information science, computer programming, computer software, media application, and data processing. To find out more and apply: benefits.va.gov/gibill/fgib/VetTec.asp. 26
launchpad-veterans.
VETERANS NEWS MAGAZINE
Roseburg VA health care system partners with urgent care facilities
Urgent care facilities around Roseburg are partnering with the VA to offer urgent care benefits. To find a location near you visit vaurgentcarelocator.triwest.com/Locator/Care. Department of State Lands now has database for unclaimed medals
The Oregon Department of State Lands, longtime steward of unclaimed property, has added a webpage for military medals and decorations in an effort to connect them with family members or descendants. Visit oregon.gov/dsl/Money/Pages/ MilitaryMedals.aspx. New design, other changes coming to Oregon Wounded Warrior Parking Placard/Decal
After receiving feedback from customers and parking enforcement officials, Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) determined a redesign of the Oregon Wounded Warrior sticker was necessary to better meet the needs of Oregonians. This sticker replaces the original design: a rectangular sticker with a black background with white letters that read, “OREGON WOUNDED WARRIOR.” To ensure consistency, DMV will re-issue new stickers to all current holders of Wounded Warrior placards and decals. DMV expects to begin sending stickers out to customers by early November. For more information, call 503945-5000 or 503-299-9999 (Portland metro area), or visit www.oregondmv.com.
