Commander’s Comments

It is a New Year and we have plans for raising money for the Chapter. In April we are having a spaghetti and meatball luncheon we will need help selling tickets for our luncheon. Also we will be having an Informational Seminar in May and we will need a lot of help I hope that I can count on everyone to help. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and hope you have a good year. I hope to see more members at the next meeting. Be safe and healthy as possible. If you would like to help sell tickets or if you have any questions call the Commander at home at 508-226-7591 or 1-774-210-0097 and leave a message and I will get back to you also email me at pfleming58@yahoo.com. Also you can call the Adjutant at 508-699-9075 or e-mail at bosn11@aol.com

Paul

Auxiliary Commander’s Comments

I also would like to say Happy New Year to all. The next Chapter function will be in April a spaghetti and meatball luncheon and in May there will be an Informational Seminar and I hope there will be as many members as possible to help. If you have any questions fell free to call Gene at 1-508-446-1886 or e-mail at RisingSong123@aol.com

Gene

Sickness and Distress

If you know of any member that is sick or has passed away please contact the Chaplain at 1-781-640-2034 or the Adjutant at 508-699-9075.

Meeting Information

The next meeting will be held on Mar 20^th at 1:00pm at the Wrentham Development Center Auditorium. We will be having corned beef and cabbage at this meeting. if you need a ride call the Adjutant at 508-699-9075

Spaghetti & Meatball Luncheon

The chapter will be having a spaghetti luncheon on April 3^rd at the American Legion Post 217 in Plainville from 1-4pm. The cost will be $8.00 for adults $5.00 for Seniors and children under 12. So come and support the chapter raise monies so we can continue helping our fellow Disabled Veterans.

Veterans Informational Seminar

On May 6^th from 10am-2pm the Chapter will be sponsoring a veterans seminar at the Wrentham Development Center Auditorium so if you know of anyone that wants to know more on benefits and needs to have a claim done please come to the seminar. I will get back to you on the time of the seminar.

Washington Update

VA Delays Raising Drug Co-Pay

A planned $1 increase in copayments for outpatient medications for veterans who do not qualify for free prescriptions is being delayed while the VA reviews its options. Veterans being treated fro conditions that are not related to military service are charged copayments for a 30-day supply of medication provided on an outpatient basis. Copayments are waived for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or higher, regardless of weather they are being treated for service-connected issue, and for some low-income veterans. The current charge of $8 was supposed to rise to $9 Jan. 1 under regulations that call for VA prescription drug charges to keep pace with those in the private sector. But VA officials announced just before the New Year that they were delaying the increase until July 1 to reconsider how increase are calculated. This delay applies to both the scheduled $1 hike and a $120 increase in the $960 copayment cap on drug costs for veterans who are being treated for nonservice-connected medical issues.

Military Admits Burn Pits Could Cause Long-term Health Damage

The military is backing off its previous position that burn pits in Iraq do not pose a health risk and has acknowledged that some troops exposed to the burning of refuse on military bases could be susceptible to long-term health effects. Since the issue arose two years ago, Pentagon health officials have issued that, based on its own analysis, troops who were near burn pits at Joint Balad in Iraq—the largest base in that country – faced no long-term health hazards. That covered most of the troops who passed through the base. The department of Defense found that the burn pits, which are used instead of incinerators, could cause effects that include irritated eyes and upper respiratory system problems. But the department said “it is less clear what other long-term health effects (there) may be.” But one of the top military health officials, Dr. Craig Postlewaite, signaled in a recent interview with the Salt Lake Tribune that certain troops with other medical conditions may be at risk for long-term effects.

VA, Kaiser Test Sharing Electronic Health Information

The VA and Kaiser Permanente recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). This aims to provide clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente with a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health using electronic health record information, include information about health issues, medications and allergies. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NHIN provides a technology “gateway” for the secure exchange of health information between treating physicians, when authorized by a patient. Clinicians can electronically, and securely share authorized patient data, ensuring around-the-clock access to critical health information. The new pilot program connects VA’s VisitA (Veterans Affairs Health Information System and Technology Architecture) and Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot. The program’s next phase will add authorized data from the Department of Defense’s health care system to this exchange in early 2010. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all veterans and servicemembers.

Chapter Commander Paul Fleming calling bingo at the Brockton VAMC

Dates to Remember

Mar. 20 Chapter Meeting 1pm

Apr. 3 Spaghetti and Meatballs 1-4pm

Apr. 17 Chapter Meeting 1pm

Apr 18 Brockton VAMC 2pm

May 2 Brockton VAMC 2pm

May 6 Informational Seminar 10am-2pm

May 15 Chapter Meeting 1pm

May 16 Chapter Installation 1pm

June 6 Brockton VAMC 2pm

June 19 Chapter Meeting 1pm

June 24-26 DAV Convention

Senate Passes Major Veterans Legislation to aid Caregivers, Woman Veterans

On November 17, 2009, the Senate unanimously approved S. 1963, “The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Services Act of 2009.” As passed, S. 1963 creates a comprehensive new program to support family caregivers of severely disabled veterans, and strengthens VA health care programs for woman veterans, homeless veterans, veterans with mental health needs, and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury.

S.1963 combines the content of two measures previously approved by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, S. 252 and S. 801, into a single VA health care omnibus bill. Since the House of Representatives has already passed similar, but separate veterans health bills, the two bodies must now conference and reach an agreement on identical legislation before it can be sent to the President for his approval. Both chambers’ bills include health care benefits, including mental heath counseling, increased access to respite care and a stipend to the caregiver. There are differences in the caregiver provisions of these bills, such as who would be eligible, what training and certification would be required, what type of support services will be available, and who would be covered. DAV supports a comprehensive package of services with wider eligibility to basic service for caregivers of veterans of all eras. Depending on how the conference proceeds and what provisions in the omnibus bill are agreed to, we will update our website and alert our Commander’s Action Network (CAN) accordingly. Please check in periodically and be ready to take action on this important measure.

Advance Appropriations Legislation Signed into Law

On October 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which became Public Law 111-081. The passage and approval of this legislation is one of the most significant victories for veterans since World War II. Under this landmark legislation, Congress is now authorized to improve funding one year in advance for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care accounts and the Government Accountability Office is required to audit the budget development process. It will bring transparency to the budget process and provide sufficient, timely and predictable funding for the VA so veterans can access quality health care in a timely manner. This is definitely a great victory for all veterans, especially disabled veterans who rely on VA for their care. Thanks to the efforts of our members, advance appropriations is finally a reality. Now we must remain vigilant in our oversight of the process to ensure transparency and reform are realized.

Temporary Decrease in Minimum Membership Fee

With so many disabled veterans and their facing challenges during these difficult financial times, discretionary spending – even toward a worthwhile investment like membership in the DAV – may be put on hold for those struggling to make ends meet. In order to stimulate recruitment and to provide every eligible veteran an opportunity to experience all that the DAV has to offer, National Commander Bobby Barrera recently authorized the National Membership Department to accept a minimum membership down payment of $20 through the end of the membership year on June 30, 2010. The change should ease the challenges recruiters face from prospective veterans who want to join but could not afford a full $40 toward membership. The change should ease the challenges recruiters face from prospective veterans who want to join but could not afford a full $40 toward membership.