VA Announces That Veterans Can Reschedule VA Healthcare Appointments that Were Cancelled Due to COVID19

VA announced today, that three tools are available to reschedule an appointment:

• Send a secure message to the Veteran’s healthcare team. https://www.va.gov/health-care/secure-messaging/
• Call the Veteran’s healthcare team. Find the Veteran’s VA health facility’s phone number at https://www.va.gov/find-locations
• Or, the Veteran can also request some types of appointments online through the VA appointments tool: https://www.va.gov/health-care/schedule-view-va-appointments/

When actually going to a VA healthcare facility, instead of a virtual appointment, wear a mask that covers mouth and nose, and complete on-site the VA COVID-19 symptom screening questions.

Extension of Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Application Periods – – Response to the COVID–19 Public Health Emergency

This VA Final Rulemaking, that was effective October 7, 2020, extends by 90 days the deadlines for former members insured under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage following separation from service in order to address the inability of former members directly or indirectly affected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID–19) public health emergency to purchase VGLI. The final rule is in effect for one year from June 11, 2020, the date that the interim final rule was published in the Federal Register. [Until June 11, 2021].

See https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-10-07/pdf/2020-19645.pdf

See also https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-11/pdf/2020-12559.pdf, the Interim Final Rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2020.

Legislation To Help Veterans With Need for Mental Health Care and Resources Sent to the President

In early October 2020, the U.S. Senate sent a bi-partisan bill, known as the “Whole Veteran Act,” [H.R. 2359], to the President for signature – it is part of a government wide effort to prevent veteran suicides, and make holistic mental healthcare more available to service women and men. See https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/index.asp

VA Caregiver Program Expanded – Eligible Vietnam, Korea and WWII Veterans

VA expanded on October 1, 2020 the Program of Comprehensive Assistance For Family Caregivers, which enhances 24/7 care from family and loved ones providers. VA announced in July 2020 that this program will cover veterans who served in the military on or before May 7, 1975. Veterans covered are required to have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher, and meet other general criteria. In part, geographic location with determine the actual provided dollar amounts.

See https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-31/pdf/2020-15931.pdf