Tricare Uniform Formulary Update 18: On March 22, a DoD panel proposed moving several pain narcotic, glaucoma, and anti-depressant medications to the third tier ($22 copay vs $3 or $9 for drugs on first and second tiers), along with some newer sedatives. Ultram ER (extended release) will be moved to the third tier with a 90-day implementation time. There are 38 other medications in this class that remain available at the lower copays, including the immediate-release form of Ultram.
Glaucoma drugs Travatan, Istalol, Betimol, and Azopt to the third tier, while 18 medications in this class will still be available at the lower copay. Among anti-depressants, the Emsam patch will move to the third tier, leaving Marplan, Nardil and Parnate available at lower copays. Some newer sedatives...Rozerem, Sonata, and Ambien CR (controlled release) also will move to the third tier. Ambien and Lunesta will remain on the lower-copay list, along with eight other older drugs. However, a "prior-authorization" requirement is being proposed for first-time use of all drugs in this class other than Ambien, which is the most commonly prescribed and cost-effective drug in this class. The prior-authorization requirement would not apply to patients who previously had another first- or second-tier sleep agent prescribed in the last six months. The panel indicated that Ambien is scheduled to be available in generic form in April. When that happens, use of that generic will be made mandatory. Other drugs in the class will be available only if the doctor demonstrates that there is a medical necessity to prescribe one of the other drugs in the class for the particular patient (e.g., to avoid adverse side effects).
[Source: MOAA Leg Up 30 Mar 07 ++]

FL Disabled Vet Tax Exemption Update 01: An amendment to the Florida Constitution voters approved in 2006 to give property tax discounts to a small group of disabled veterans could be implemented under a bill that cleared the state’s Senate. Only those veterans with combat-related disabilities who were Florida residents when they joined the military would be eligible for the tax discounts on their primary homes, known as homesteads. The percentage of a veteran’s discount would correspond to the percentage he is disabled as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate passed the bill 39-0. It now goes to the House, where no similar bill has yet been filed.
[Source: Southwest Florida Herald Tribune 29 Mar 07 ++]

Vet Healthcare Mandatory Funding: OVETERANS' HEALTHCARE MANDATORY FUNDING: On 8 MAR 07 Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) told a Washington, DC newspaper; “Nationwide, veterans are facing a healthcare funding shortfall of more than $2.8 billion in the midst of a growing nationwide scandal over inadequate treatment of wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan”. He pledged to promote, support, and vote for full mandatory funding of veteran’s healthcare and services. Full funding for Veterans Healthcare is something all veterans would like to see achieved. A group of veterans has initiated “Operation Firing for Effect” (OFFE) to help achieve that goal. On 19 MAR, while visiting the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua New York, Sen. Schumer took time to meet with Operation Firing For Effect representatives and to sign their Resolution calling for full mandatory funding of veteran’s healthcare and services. This Resolution posted at http://offe2008.org/public_html/resolution.htm has been adopted and passed by several U.S. northeast cities and townships, including the Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, Richard Daley, the Governor of Oregon, Ted Kulongoski, plus over 500,000 labor union members in New York State. The healthcare system is essential to provide vets with adequate healthcare. The links shown provide documentation on the conditions noted:

* On 22 AUG 86, the VAMC in Atlanta Georgia released a Memorandum changing their procedures for self injections for diabetic insulin users. The change in policy was as follows; “Effective for new prescriptions written after 2 SEP 86, you should use each disposable insulin syringe two times before throwing it away”. The only possible reason for this new policy was budgetary. This change in procedure was an attempt to cut the year’s insulin syringe budget in half. Apparently, the VA needed funds elsewhere, and decided this very questionable and risky injection procedure was a good idea. Well known Georgia veterans rights advocate Jere Beery led a successful public campaign to have this unsafe practice stopped immediately. This one small example illustrates how budget restraints affect the quality of healthcare our veterans receive. Mandatory full funding would guarantee that our veterans would never be asked to use a dirty syringe again. Documentation; http://jerebeery.com/va-syringe-useage.htm
* Although the telephone has been around for well over a century, it wasn’t until 1996 that all VA hospitals nationwide were equipped with bedside telephones. Up until that time, unless you could make it to the pay phone down the hall, patients made no calls, much less receive any. In 1995, Mr. Francis Dosio of PT Phone Home and the Communication Workers of America Union took up the concept veterans activist Jere Beery had started several years earlier and launched a nationwide project to install bedside phones in every VA hospital in the country. All of the labor and equipment was donated but the story was not publicized. The VA didn’t have to pay anything for the bedside phone project as all of the funds were donated from the private sector. Mandatory full funding would insure that our veterans do not have to depend on public donations for basic amenitie and services. Documentation; http://jerebeery.com/bedside_telephones_in_va_hospita.htm
* In 1998, the VAMC in Atlanta attempted to implement parking fees for all veterans visiting the facility. Vietnam combat veteran Jere Beery openly challenged the parking plan and stimulated public outrage which halted the idea before it was enforced. Mandatory full funding would guarantee that our veterans are never again ask to pay to access the healthcare services they have earned. Documentation; http://jerebeery.com/va%20parking%201.htm
* In 2006, two veterans died after they were refused entrance and lifesaving treatment at the VA hospital in Spokane Washington. The reason; they arrived after the emergency room had closed. Mandatory full funding would insure that all VA hospitals with a pre-existing emergency room could maintain 24/7 emergency services for critically ill veterans. Documentation; http://jerebeery.com/offe_extremely_concerned_about_d.htm
* In 1978, travel reimbursement for veterans traveling to a VA hospital for a scheduled appointment was 11 cents per mile, which was when gas was 49 cents a gallon. This reimbursement amount has remained unchanged for 29 years. In this case, Mandatory full funding would provide the funds to increase this allowance and allow for the payment of travel pay to fluctuate with the rising cost of fuel.
* Currently, the VA has a backlog of over 90,000 claims waiting processing. Many veterans are required to wait well over a year for their VA rating decision. Under-staffing is the primary reason for these delays. Mandatory funding would make it possible for the VA to hire additional staff to process and expedite claims.
* Low wages offered by the VA make it difficult to entice and retain high quality medical professionals. Doctors, nurses, dentist, psychiatrist, counselors, and nutritionist all make significantly more money in the private sector. Mandatory funding would allow for increases in salaries which would attract more medical professionals into the VA healthcare system.
* Mandatory funding would also insure that future medical research done by the VA would not be restricted by budget constraints.
For additional info on OFFE refer to Refer to http://offe2008.org/public_html/index.htm
[Source: OFFE Gene Sims msg. 29 Mar 07 ++]

Tricare Pharmacy Policy Update 02: The Tricare Management Activity (TMA) announced that, in collaboration with the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), it has developed a customer-focused process for beneficiaries to resolve Medicare Part D and Tricare coverage issues, and obtain their prescriptions more quickly. Since the initiation of the Medicare Part “D” program some Tricare beneficiaries who try to use their Tricare prescription drug benefit have found their Tricare coverage denied due to the inadvertent Medicare Part D enrollment. Should this situation happen to you, TMA recommends the beneficiary contact Express Scripts at 1(866) 363-8779. The Express Scripts customer service representative will ask for the beneficiary’s permission to access Medicare Part D coverage information from CMS and determine whether the beneficiary is currently in a Medicare Part D plan. If CMS records show no Medicare Part D coverage, DMDC will update the beneficiary’s Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information, in one business day. Additionally, if Express Scripts discovers that CMS shows the beneficiary as having Medicare Part D coverage, they will advise the beneficiary how to obtain confirmation of disenrollment or cancellation from Medicare Part D, and how to forward the disenrollment or cancellation information to DMDC to update the beneficiary’s DEERS record. Once DMDC receives this documentation, a customer service representative will update the DEERS records and telephone the beneficiary to confirm the correction.
[Source: TMA News Release 22 Mar 07 http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=271 ++]

Wounded Warrior Assistance: On 28 MAR the House unanimously passed H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007. This bipartisan bill responds to the problems brought to light at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military health care facilities by including provisions to:
(1) Improve the access to quality medical care for wounded service members who are outpatients at military health care facilities;
(2) Begin the process of restoring the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system and taking other steps to cut bureaucratic red-tape; and
(3) Improve the transition of wounded service members from the Armed Forces to the VA system.

More specifically an overview of some of the key provisions of the bill discloses it:

* Improves the training and reduces the caseloads of medical care case managers for outpatient wounded service members, so that service members and their families can get the help they need when they need it. For example, the bill requires that case managers for outpatients handle no more than 17 cases and review each case at least once a week to better understand patient needs.
* Creates a system of patient advocates for outpatient wounded service members. These advocates are there to fight, when necessary, to ensure that outpatients get the right treatment. The bill limits patient advocates to a caseload of no more than 30 outpatients.
* Requires DOD to establish a toll-free hot line for reporting deficiencies in facilities supporting medical patients and family members, requiring rapid responses to remediate substantiated complaints.
* Establishes an independent medical advocate to serve as a counselor and advisor for service members being considered by medical evaluation boards.
* Requires DOD to recommend annually improvements in the training of health care professionals, medical care case managers, and patient advocates to increase their effectiveness in assisting recovering wounded warriors. The bill, at a minimum, requires DOD to make recommendations about improving training in the identification of post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other mental conditions among recovering service members.
* Requires the Army to establish an Army Wounded Warrior Battalion pilot program at an installation with a major medical facility modeled after the Wounded Warrior Regiment program in the Marines. The unit is intended to track active-duty soldiers in outpatient status who still require medical care.
* Begins the process of reforming administrative processes in order to restore the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system. For example, the bill requires DOD to establish a standardized training program and curriculum for those involved in the disability evaluation system.
* Takes some substantive steps in reducing the turmoil of being transferred from military to veterans’ medical care for service members who are discharged. The bill creates a formal transition process from the Armed Forces to the VA for service members who are being retired or separated for health reasons. The transition is to include an official handoff between the two systems with the electronic transfer of all medical and personnel records before the member leaves active-duty.

     The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act H.R.1268 & S.713 are similar bills that have been introduced in the 110th Congress on this issue. [Source: House Speaker Pelosi msg. 29 Mar 07 ++]

Small Business Administration Update 01: Legislation moving through the House aims to reduce fees on U.S. Small Business Administration loans and boost lending in rural areas and low-income urban neighborhoods. On 15 MAR the House Small Business Committee approved H.R.0109. This bill would eliminate fees on loans made to veterans through the SBA’s 7(a) program and cut fees in half on loans made to doctors and dentists in areas where there is a shortage of medical professionals. Small businesses that need large loans would benefit from a provision that allows borrowers to combine a 7(a) loan, which can be used for a variety of business purposes, with a 504 loan, which must be used for real estate or other fixed assets. The bill would allow the SBA to use money appropriated by Congress to reduce fees on 7(a) loans. The government-guaranteed loans are popular because they offer longer terms and lower monthly payments than conventional small-business loans. Congress lowered 7(a) loan fees to stimulate the economy after the 911 terrorist attacks. Fees on borrowers and lenders went back up in OCT 04, when Congress - at the SBA’s request - stopped subsidizing the loans. Fees now cover loan defaults and other program costs. Eliminating the subsidy saves taxpayers about $80 million a year. But critics say the higher fees make the loans too expensive for some small businesses, adding $1,500 to $3,000 to the cost of small 7(a) loans and as much as $50,000 for large loans. [Source: South Florida Business Journal 27 Mar 07 ++]

FL Dept of Revenue Data Breach: A Cape Coral veteran is afraid he could become the victim of identity theft again after learning 26 MAR his personal information had been stolen for the fourth time in a year - this time from a state agency. Bill Trowler received a letter from the Florida Department of Revenue saying his information had been stolen from a database. Exposure to identity theft as a result of data breaches has happened to Trowler four times in the last year. It started when he got caught up in the largest identity theft case in U.S. history when 26.5 million veterans were compromised by a stolen laptop. His personal information was again compromised when he applied for a line of credit from department store and again when he applied for a standard credit card. In both of those cases his information was used to get new credit lines and one crook even set up a business in Trowler’s name. He immediately started trying to protect his identity. “We froze all our accounts with the credit bureau. We also changed all our account numbers on all credit cards. We have destroyed or shredded anything that contains financial information. We got extra locks on the door now,” said Trowler.

     He has contacted the Florida Department of Revenue to deal with this latest incident, but so far he hasn’t heard back from them to find out exactly what happened. The state did admit that there is a criminal investigation going on and that about 5,000 people’s information was compromised. Officials aren’t saying how the data was stolen or when. Last year Florida State warned their employees via a 16 MAY email message that their personal information may have been compromised after work on the state's People First payroll and human resources system was improperly subcontracted to a company in India. Employees who worked for the state during the 18-month period between 1 JAN 03 and 30 JUN 04, were potentially exposed. The state's Department of Management Services (DMS), which oversees the People First system, estimated that 108,000 then current and former state employees may have been affected by the data breach, although that estimate could change as a result of their investigation into the matter.

     The military community continues to be at risk for identity theft because the government and many large companies cannot get their act together on this issue. As a result veterans are continually being exposed to the potential of identity theft from hackers and criminals. Although those who have been exposed are reassured by these agencies that appropriate actions are being taken to protect them from personal loss, these actions and notifications are always taken after data breaches have occurred giving criminals ample time to act on the data they have obtained. One sure way to protect yourself is to purchase insurance against losses and let the insurer fight the battles with creditors seeking reimbursement from you for alleged purchases/loans. Companies offering these services can be located on the web by entering “Identity Theft Insurance” into your search engine. Premiums and coverage vary. One such company is Lifelock http://www.lifelock.com which offers a 25% discount to veterans for $1,000,000 coverage at a $7.50 monthly premium. Those seeking protection are encouraged to shop for the best deal to meet their personal needs. [Source: WBBH NBC2 News Fort Myers FL 27 Mar 07 ++]

Mobilized Reserve 28 MAR 07: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced the current number of reservists on active duty as of 28 MAR 07 in support of the partial mobilization. The net collective result is 1,511 fewer reservists mobilized than last reported for 14 MAR 07. Total number currently on active duty in support of the partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 62,879; Navy Reserve 6,174; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 4,983; Marine Corps Reserve 5,559; and the Coast Guard Reserve 301. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been mobilized, to 79,896, including both units and individual augmentees. At any given time, services may mobilize some units and individuals while demobilizing others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are currently mobilized, can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2007/d20070328ngr.pdf [Source: DoD News Release 28 Mar 07 ++]

SBP SSA Offset Update 09: Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuitants who currently do not receive 50% of their deceased spouse's SBP annuity base amount will soon see their annuity increase. The increase, which goes into effect 1 APR will appear in annuitants' May 2007 deposit. Survivors who already receive 50% or more of their late spouse's annuity base amount will not see an increase this April, but they may see one next April. By April 2008, all survivors will receive the full 55% of their late military retiree's pay covered by SBP. Public Law 108-375, which was implemented on 1 OCT 05 established the phased elimination of the Social Security offset and the two-tier annuity computation for surviving spouses under the Survivor Benefit Plan/Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP/RCSBP).
[Source: MOAA News Exchange 28 Mar 07 ++]

National Uniform Claim Committee: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has been named to the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC), a key organization in the health care industry. The NUCC develops the paper claim form for professional billing to insurers (currently, the CMS 1500). Comprising both payers and providers, the NUCC selected VHA as a Provider member. VHA has a vital interest in policies affecting professional health care claims. During fiscal year 2006 VHA submitted 4.8 million claims to third-party payers for reimbursement of professional nonservice-connected care of veterans. The VA Health Administration Center (HAC), which processes approximately two million professional claims per year as a payer for VHA programs, most recently worked with the NUCC to update the Revised 08/05 Version of the CMS 1500 Health Insurance Claim Form currently under national implementation. Officially, NUCC is “a voluntary organization created to develop a standardized data set for use by the non-institutional health care community to transmit claim and encounter information to and from all third-party payers.” The NUCC is chaired by the American Medical Association, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a critical partner. The NUCC is formally named in the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) legislation as one of the organizations to be consulted on national standards for health care transactions. For additional info on the NUCC refer to http://www.nucc.org  
[Source: Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs News Release 27 Mar 07 ++]

AFRH Update 02: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) requested that the Defense Department investigate allegations against the historic Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in the heart of the nation’s capital that has housed four U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. The GAO said patients may be at risk because of health-care problems. Tim Cox, the facility’s chief operating officer Cox acknowledged that the home has experienced incidents consistent with a nursing home environment. In a statement released 21 MAR he said, “Resident care is the paramount concern at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here, and allegations of poor conditions are without merit. Half its residents are older than 80, and many are frail and suffer from chronic health conditions.” Mr. Cox noted a particularly troublesome incident involving maggots in the leg wound of an 87-year-old resident that occurred in August. “Our medical staff discovered it and immediately took remedial action,” Mr. Cox said. The fact that the resident had refused medical treatment was no excuse for the incident, and that eight health-care workers were fired after an investigation showed they had failed to meet the home’s standards of care.

     The home is getting a close evaluation. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder sent a team of doctors on an unscheduled visit to the campus 21 MAR to assess conditions for themselves, Mr. Cox explained. In addition, legislative staffers are expected to visit the facility to see firsthand the care and security its staff provides. “We welcome these visits,” Mr. Cox said. More than 1,100 enlisted military veterans live at the home. Mr. Cox said the home offers the amenities of a retirement community plus an extensive health-care system, ranging from a wellness clinic for those who live independently to assisted living to long-term and hospice care. Congress consolidated the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home here with the U.S. Naval Home in Gulfport, Miss., in 1991, creating the Armed Forces Retirement Home as an independent establishment in the executive branch of the federal government. Ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the Gulfport campus closed in 2005. Nearly 400 residents of the Gulfport facility were relocated to the Washington campus. For info on the AFRH refer to http://www.afrh.gov [Source: American Forces Press Service Donna Miles article 22 Mar 07 ++]

STROKE Update 02: New studies confirm that transient ischemic attacks (TIA) sometimes called a “ministroke” are an important warning of more serious things to come. Almost 10% of people who have a TIA will have a major stroke within a week, and another 20% within three months. When certain risk factors like advanced age or high blood pressure are present, that figure goes up. The symptoms of ministroke are identical to those of full-blown stroke, which kills 200,000 Americans a year. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer, and the number one cause of adult disability. About 85% of major strokes and all TIAs are ischemic meaning they’re caused by a clot or plaque that blocks the blood flow to the brain. They are treated with clot-busting medications. The other 15% of strokes are “hemorrhagic,” caused by a flood of blood into the brain. Imaging tests can detect brain changes in up to half of those who have had a TIA, but these ministrokes appear to leave no permanent damage. Chances of damage are greater in the case of a major stroke, when the brain has been deprived of blood for a longer period and brain cells have died.

     Unlike major stroke, which can cause paralysis, impaired memory, speech or vision loss, or death, TIAs are not fatal. Nor do they leave any permanent disability. The body resolves a TIA without any intervention, sometimes in just a few minutes. People either brush off their symptoms or are so relieved when they disappear that they don’t do what doctors say is crucial: get to an emergency room as fast as possible. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent a devastating subsequent stroke. New guidelines developed by doctors in the clinical neurology department at Britain’s Oxford University can help determine which TIA patients are most likely to have a major stroke. Called the “ABCD” test, the scoring system takes into account (A) age, (B) blood pressure, (C) clinical symptoms, such as weakness or headache, and (D) duration of the TIA. The Oxford scientists have urged that the test become standard practice in evaluating TIA patients. They say that people at the highest risk are those over age 60 who have blood pressure above 140 over 90, have weakness on one side or speech disturbance during a TIA, and symptoms that lasted an hour or longer. TIA patients with such symptoms are sometimes hospitalized for more intensive testing and treatment. [Source: AARP Bulletin Feb 07 ++]

Angioplasty vs. Drugs: For patients with clogged arteries who have not yet had a heart attack, the widely used surgical treatment of balloon angioplasty with the insertion of a stent is no better than conventional drug treatment. Researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs told a meeting of the American College of Cardiology on 26 MAR that in a study of more than 2,000 patients, those receiving only drug therapy had the same number of heart attacks, strokes and deaths as those who received the drugs and underwent artery-opening angioplasty. The only difference was a slight improvement in quality of life for those receiving angioplasty because of fewer chest pains, known as angina. The findings deal a blow to the stent industry, which sells an estimated $3.2 billion worth of stents each year in the United States. As many as 65% of the estimated 1 million stenting procedures performed each year occur in such patients at a cost of about $40,000 per surgery.

     Experts cautioned that the results do not apply to patients who have suffered a heart attack because of a blockage in the coronary artery. Numerous studies have shown that angioplasty is the gold standard for such patients, and physicians urge that it be implemented as soon as possible to re-open the artery and restore blood flow to the heart. But in nonemergency situations, the drugs act fast enough to forestall the need for angioplasty. Stent makers said the study provided little new information, did not include the newest generation of drug-eluting stents and did not address the key issue of whether stents prevent the need for further angioplasties. They also argued that the device’s greatest benefit is improving quality of life. The study published online 26 MAR by the New England Journal of Medicine is the first large analysis examining its value for those with what is known as stable disease.

     The study, called the Courage Trial, enrolled 2,287 patients at 15 VA medical centers and another 35 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. It was sponsored primarily by the VA and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Many of the researchers involved have received consulting and lecture fees from major drug companies. All the patients had at least a 70% blockage of their coronary artery and chest pains several times per week. Most also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and many had diabetes. All of the patients were placed on multiple medications, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics to lower blood pressure, statins to decrease cholesterol and blood thinners to prevent clots. The patients also were counseled about lifestyle programs for smoking cessation, increased exercise and a better diet. The drug treatments typically costs about $1,500 a year. Half the patients underwent angioplasty, and many of them received a stent—a wire-mesh tube inserted into the artery to hold it open after the balloon is withdrawn. The balloon and the stent are threaded into the coronary artery through a small incision in the groin.

     After an average of 4.6 years of monitoring, there were 211 deaths, heart attacks or strokes in the group receiving angioplasty and 202 in the group receiving only drug therapy. The only difference between the two groups was that angioplasty patients had fewer symptoms of angina. After three years, 67% of those in the angioplasty group were free of angina, compared with 62% in the medication-only group, according to the study. Stent makers tended to scoff at the study. Dr. Donald Baim of Boston Scientific Corp. argued that the results “don’t really tell us much that we didn’t already know.” Some cardiologists who specialize in the procedures also argued that the study did not focus on the sickest patients who are most likely to benefit and that the main purpose of angioplasty in many is to alleviate chest pain, not to prevent heart attacks. Some Wall Street analysts agreed about the study’s limited impact, but only because they don’t anticipate it will depress sales any more than they’ve fallen already. Sales of stents have been declining since last year over concerns that deadly clots might form around a small percentage of the most popular devices after they are implanted and that bypass surgery might have a significant survival advantage over stents in some patients. Analysts say cardiologists are more reticent about recommending the procedure. [Source: Los Angeles Times article 27 Mar 07 ++]

Traumatic Brain Injury Update 03: Veteran Construction 1 (VETCON 1), a joint venture between a Serviced-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and an Alaskan Native corporation, marks the first time a SDVOSB has been selected to build a VA facility as a prime contractor. VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) played a vital role in turning the venture into reality. After receiving an email from Alaskan Native Corporation CCI Inc., looking to team with another small business, CVE found a suitable SDVOSB to fit the bill. They contacted the president of Metropolitan Enterprise, Inc., and in just three weeks were able to bring the two businesses together to win a $31 million contract. The facility in Menlo Park CA , is one of four that will be built at VA poly-trauma centers to house separate education and diagnosis screening programs for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in support of the VA Medical Centers throughout the country. Ground breaking was 27 MAR 07. For more information about CVE and its services to veterans in business refer to http://www.VetBiz.gov [Source: Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs News Release 27 Mar 07 ++]

Diabetes Update 03: The 19th annual American Diabetes Alert Day was 27 MAR 07. The American Diabetes Association has asked everyone to help spread the word by informing their family, friends, and co-workers about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Sixty million Americans are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases as your get older, gain too much weight, or if you do not stay active. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
* Having high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)
* Having a family history of diabetes.
* Having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

     What can you do? Encourage those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes to take the American Diabetes Risk Test and, if they score high, to schedule an appointment to see their doctor. The test is available in English or Spanish at http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp Here they can also review information on the link between Diabetes and heart disease and stroke. [Source: American Diabetes Alert 27 Mar 07 ++]

Tricare Emergency Facility Use: Tricare beneficiaries are normally required to use only authorized providers if they expect their claims to be paid. However, in geographic areas other than the Philippines or Puerto Rico there are established guidelines for emergency conditions under which a regional contractor can honor claims submitted by beneficiaries on the use of unauthorized facilities. These are outlined in the Tricare Reimbursement Manual 6010.55-M, August 1, 2002 General Chap. 1 Section 29. Claims must be for medically necessary services and supplies rendered in the emergency situation. Medically necessary inpatient emergency services are those that are necessary to prevent the death or serious impairment of the health of the patient, and that because of the threat to the life or health of the patient, necessitate the use of the most accessible hospital available that is equipped to furnish the services. In the case of inpatient psychiatric emergencies, payment will be extended when the patient is determined to be at immediate risk or serious harm to self or others as a result of a mental disorder and requires immediate continuous skilled observation at the acute level of care. When a case qualifies as an emergency at the time of admission to an unauthorized institutional provider and the provider notifies the managed care support contractor of the admission, payment can be extended for medically necessary and appropriate care until a transfer is medically feasible (i.e., coverage will be extended up to the point of discharge or until a medically appropriate and legally authorized transfer can be initiated). The timing of the transfer will be based on the availability of authorized facility beds.

Requisites for reimbursement of emergency inpatient admissions to unauthorized facilities are:

(a) At the time of admission to an unauthorized institutional provider, the beneficiary’s condition must meet the definition of medical or psychiatric emergency as prescribed in 32 CFR 199.2.
(b) The contractor must be notified as soon as possible after the emergency admission (preferably within 24 hours) so that arrangements can be made to transfer the beneficiary once the emergency no longer exists, or until such time as a medically appropriate and/or legally authorized transfer can be initiated.
(c) The provider must submit the necessary medical records and other documentation required in the processing and payment of emergency inpatient admissions. These are essential in substantiating that an emergency condition did exist at the time of the admission and that care provided to the beneficiary after the emergency no longer existed, but before a medically appropriate transfer could be initiated, was medically necessary. Refusal to submit the appropriate medical documentation will result in the denial of payment for the entire stay in the facility, including the emergency portion of the patient’s care.
(d) A determination must also be made that treatment was received at the most accessible (closest) hospital available that was equipped to furnish the medically necessary care.
[Source: TRICARE Area Office-Pacific Feb 7 ++]

Marines' Memorial Association: The Marines' Memorial Association (MMA) was established in 1946 as a living memorial to the Marines who lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II. Its mission is to maintain a living memorial honoring Marines and other veterans of the United States Armed Forces, including Regular and Reserve Components, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and their reserves; to educate and perpetuate the achievements and the sacrifices of these veterans, and to aid and assist these veterans. The non-profit organization offers membership to former and retired members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. It presently is composed of over 21,000 worldwide members. Yearly membership rates are free for active duty and their spouses. Veterans and family members pay $20 annually. Spouse membership is free and sponsoring parents may also include their children. The Association sponsors annual scholarships to recognize qualifying students who have demonstrated scholastic aptitude, community involvement and civic spirit. The MMA maintains the Marines' Memorial Club located in the heart of downtown San Francisco which boasts some of the best rates and most spectacular views in the bay area. The 12-story Beaux-Arts structure’s history dates back to 1926 and the décor retains the character and elegance of old San Francisco. It is two blocks from cable cars, Union Square and the theatre district and offers rooftop dining, a library/museum, ballroom accommodations, 138 rooms/suites, business center, locale and health club (with pool), and pet accommodations. http://www.marineclub.com/leathernecksteakhouse.htm  Access to the club and its Leatherneck Steakhouse is limited to sponsored guests and members of the Marines' Memorial Association. Membership includes reciprocal club privileges at over 150 private clubs throughout the world. For more information on the association and its club refer to http://www.marineclub.com or call (415) 673-6672. [Source: Military.com 26 Mar 07 ++]

Medicare Fraud: Attorney General Bill McCollum announced 22 MAR the arrest of a Miami-Dade psychiatrist on charges that she defrauded the Florida Medicaid program and several other benefits services out of more than $1 million. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit believe Moraima Trujillo was involved in a scheme that defrauded the Florida Medicaid program, the Medicare program, the Veteran’s Administration and several private employers during a year-long period. Investigators acted upon information received from the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. A review of documents from Trujillo’s facility revealed that between JAN & DEC 04, Trujillo billed the Medicaid and Medicare programs for the treatment of Medicaid and Medicare recipients at the same time she was supposedly performing similar functions for the Veteran’s Administration and several other employers. Throughout the year 2004, there were 207 days on which Trujillo submitted time reports to several employers and billings to the Medicaid and Medicare programs claiming to have worked between 20 and 40 hours on each day. Trujillo is currently being held at the Miami-Dade County jail. She is charged with one count each of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud, both first-degree felonies. If convicted of both charges, she faces up to 60 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit also seized funds from several bank accounts controlled by Trujillo pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.

     To assist citizens in reporting Medicare Fraud the Office of the Inspector General maintains a hotline, which offers a confidential means for reporting vital information. The Hotline can be contacted at: 1(800) 447-8477)/ 1(800) 223-2164 Fax, HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov , or Office of the Inspector General. HHS TIPS Hotline, P.O. Box 234, Washington, DC 20026. If you are attempting to report specific information proving Medicare fraud, please provide as much identifying information as possible regarding your concern. Such information should include subject's name, address and phone number etc. Details regarding the allegation should include the basics of who, what, when, where, why, and how. It is current Hotline policy not to respond directly to written communications.

     The Federal False Claims Act Act (31 U.S.C. Sections 3729-33) is 20 years old this year, and remains the most important tool the Government has to fight fraud against U.S. taxpayers. The False Claims allows a private individual or "whistleblower", with knowledge of past or present Medicaid fraud to sue on behalf of the state government to recover stiff civil penalties and triple damages. The person bringing the suit is formally known as the "Relator." If the suit is successful, it not only stops the dishonest conduct, but also deters similar conduct by others and may result in the Relator’s receipt of a substantial share of the state government’s ultimate recovery as much as 30% percent of the total. Examples of Medicaid provider fraud include:
* Billing for services not rendered: A provider bills Medicaid for treatments or procedures which were not actually performed, such as for X-rays and blood tests; for care allegedly given to patients who have died or who are no longer eligible; or for care allegedly given to patients who have transferred to another facility.
* Billing for unnecessary services: A provider misrepresents or falsifies a patient’s diagnosis and symptoms on recipient records and billing invoices to obtain payment for unnecessary services, including transporting Medicaid patients by ambulance when it is not medically necessary.
* Substitution of generic drugs: A pharmacist fills a recipient’s prescription with a generic drug or an over-the-counter drug but bills Medicaid for a higher cost name-brand drug.
* Kickbacks: A Medicaid provider (such as a hospital, a transportation company or a laboratory) offers or pays kickbacks to another Medicaid provider's employees for referring a Medicaid recipient to the provider as a patient or client. A provider (such as a doctor or a hospital) requests and receives kickback payments from Medicaid providers (physical therapists, pharmacies or laboratories) in exchange for referring Medicaid business to the providers. Payments may be in the form of cash, vacation trips, or merchandise.
* Double billing: A provider bills both Medicaid and the recipient (or private insurance) for the same service, or two providers bill for the same service.
* Other unauthorized billings: A provider charges a Medicaid recipient for a service which is covered by and should be billed to Medicaid, or charges a recipient the difference between the provider’s usual fee and what Medicaid pays.
[Source: Florida Attorney General’s Office News Release 22 Mar 07 ++]

Vet Home Patient Neglect: The Arizona State Veteran Home on Phoenix provides long-term care to as many as 200 veterans. Most are ages 70 to 94 and fought in World War II and the Korean War. It is one of the few places for veterans to get skilled nursing and long-term care. Patients can get that type of care from Veterans Affairs facilities, but those VA patients have more serious disabilities. The facility has recently been fined $10,000 after state investigators found cases of "substantial" patient neglect, according to documents obtained Friday by local newspaper reporters. Gov. Janet Napolitano, who was informed of the situation late Friday afternoon, said that the problems are unacceptable and has ordered a full review. "Our veterans deserve the very best care," she said. "All necessary action will be taken to ensure that." The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, which runs the Phoenix nursing home, has already fired five people, including the head of the facility, and vowed to fix what it deemed a culture of incompetence. During what was supposed to be an unannounced routine inspection 5 FEB, Arizona Department of Health Services inspectors found

* A patient's colostomy bag not being emptied and the patient left in soiled bedclothes for 50 minutes after activating a call button. Nurses are supposed to answer call buttons within five minutes but ignored calls for help.
* A patient was dragging herself down the hallway in a urine-soaked nightgown because no one would answer her call button.
* Patients were left unsupervised while smoking to the point that they were burning their clothes.
* One patient's penis was damaged so much by a catheter that it faced "erosion," according to the state inspectors report.

     The inspectors classified the facility on 9 FEB as being in "immediate jeopardy," which is a situation that can be a danger to residents' health or safety. Inspectors would not leave the facility until employees came up with a plan for smoking patients, some of whom were wandering the hallways and had their clothes burned by cigarettes. Former Gov. Jane Hull hired Pat Chorpenning in 1999 to fill the position of Director of Veterans' Services in Arizona in part to fix problems at the home. At that time, state inspectors found that 43 veterans, nearly a fourth of the 196 residents, had been physically restrained in wheelchairs or beds with straps and vests unnecessarily or against doctors' orders. A 72-year-old man was restrained for seven weeks.

     Chorpenning, in response to the recent inspection results said, “This is probably the worst survey that we have had as far as the veterans’ home is concerned. I think to a large degree there was a lot of complacency on the part of leadership, and I think there's been some complacency on the part of individuals within specific areas of the home. I think, above everything else, I haven't stayed on top of it as much as I should have. The agency has moved swiftly to fix the situation and that, at this point and time, virtually every issue that has been raised has been addressed, and we have put systems in place to correct every single thing that has been raised.” According to Chorpenning they are updating care plans and training for nurses. A new leadership team meets every morning and evening to ensure that duties are being completed, and that as part of a new effort to monitor the situation, he and other officials are continually stopping by the facility to ensure changes are being instituted. Mary Wiley, director of licensing services for the state health department said that addition to the federal fine, the facility could also face fines from the state. The home passed its last state inspection in FEB 06. There were no complaints about care at that time, Wiley said.

     While Patrick F. Chorpenning remains department director, he is being separated from any action that has to do with operation of the home according to a spokesman for Governor Napolitano. State House Speaker Jim Weiers said legislators will investigate but it was apparent that Chorpenning should be fired or at least suspended. In another state Alabama’s Veterans Affairs commissioner W. Clyde Marsh is closely monitoring that state's three centers. He has personally visited the homes in Alexander City, Huntsville and Bay Minette and routinely checks with agency workers charged with inspecting the homes. At a Veterans Affairs board meeting, Marsh declared the homes to be in good condition, but added state officials want to make them better. "We will be looking at skilled nursing care, an Alzheimer's unit and assisted-living type care," Marsh said. "The need is there." For additional info on these two Veterans homes refer to http://www.azdvs.gov/veteransservices.htm & http://members.tripod.com/~warveterans
[Source: The Arizona Republic Jodie Snyder article 24 Mar 07 ++]

Tricare EOBs: As of 1 JUN 04 all Tricare claims started being processed by either Palmetto Government Benefits Administrators or by Wisconsin’s Physicians Service. The Explanation of Benefits, or EOB, is the statement you receive after you file a claim with Tricare or a claim has been filed on your behalf by the doctor. This statement is a summary of the action taken on your claim—how much of the bill was paid by Tricare and how much is your responsibility to pay which you may have already paid at the time of service. In the TRICARE Handbook, Chapter 14, “How to File a Claim,” is available a state-by-state listing of claims administrators (including small-region exceptions), with addresses and toll-free phone numbers. No matter which processor handles your claim, the EOB will always include:
* In boldface, the statement, “THIS IS NOT A BILL.”
* A “Claim Number,” which is a handy piece of information to have available if you ever must call about or discuss your claim.
* The report of your “Beneficiary Liability,” which is the dollar-amount that you owe: You can expect to be billed that amount by your doctor, or you might already have paid your portion of the bill at the time of treatment.
* On the back, instructions for disputing a decision and filing an appeal, if you believe that your claim has been incorrectly processed or denied.
* Contact information for your regional contractor.

     Beginning 1 APR 07, claimants will no longer be mailed a paper copy of their Tricare for Life (TFL) EOB if their Medicare patient liability has been paid and there is no further out-of-pocket payment due from them. In cases where they still have a liability they will receive an EOB. TFL providers will continue to receive paper copies of the TFL EOB for all their patients. Though TFL beneficiaries will no longer get a copy of their EOB in the mail when their Medicare patient liability has been paid, they can print a copy if they sign up to receive an email when any of their claims process. This email service begins 1 APR 07 for those who sign up for this feature. When you receive a notification you will be able to access the TRICARE4u.com website and view and/or print a copy of your EOB. This is the same EOB you would have received through the mail. In addition, you may contact Customer Service toll free at 1(866) 773-0404 to request a hardcopy Explanation of Benefits be mailed to you. To receive this electronic notification, register on TRICARE4u.com. Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply log onto http://www.TRICARE4u.com and click on “Register as a Beneficiary/Sponsor”. If you have questions about the registration process, call 1-866-773-0404. For those requiring a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) use 1(866) 773-0405.

On the up side elimination of mailing paper EOB’s will be a cost savings to the government. On the down side:

* The change places the burden of tracking EOBs on the beneficiary.
* The limited advance notice of the policy change will leave many beneficiaries wondering why they are not receiving an EOB. Especially for those residing overseas where it is not uncommon to experience excessive delays in receiving EOBs.
* Many elder TFL beneficiaries will no longer be able to track their EOB’s because they do not have a computer, are not computer literate, or are just too old/ill /feeble to follow the new guidelines.
* Many older generation beneficiaries who are uncomfortable with dealing with or receiving medical services on line will no longer review their EOBs
* The change in policy could potentially lead to additional expense to the Tricare program through increased provider fraud. Many of those who are most familiar with the services provided will no longer be able to discover and report double-billing or other irregularities through their EOBs. Provider’s who are familiar with their patient’s limitations could be tempted to improperly bill for services with reduced potential of it being reported.
* The extremely small type used on the http://www.TRICARE4u.com website will be difficult to follow for elderly beneficiaries who are visually challenged.

     WPS is advising beneficiaries who call expressing their dissatisfaction with the new short notice policy change to contact their Congressional representatives on the subject.
[Source: USDR Action Alerts 24 MAR & MOAA News Release 28 Mar 07 ++]

Base Decals: Vehicle decals will no longer be required to enter Air Force bases in the United States, according to Air Force officials. A February memo issued by Air Combat Command (ACC) instructed installation commanders to discontinue registering privately owned vehicles and issuing decals. The suggested effective policy date is March 15, though the dates are left to the discretion of commanders. The change has already taken effect at Cannon AFB, Hill AFB UT, and ACC. Maj. Thomas Crosson, a public affairs officer for ACC at Langley Air Force Base, VA., said that in the pre-9/11 era, vehicle decals were the key to base admittance, security guards often simply waving cars through upon seeing the stickers. However 9/11 brought about heightened security, including 100% identification checks at the gates of military bases. Since 9/11, every base has someone at the gate checking IDs. Whether you've got a sticker or not, you have to show your ID. So why have the decals? There are 1.66 million vehicles registered with the Air Force. In 2005, $727,000 was spent just printing decals. Each installation has to provide personnel to register those vehicles. "Essentially it's a cost-saving measure," Crosson said. "It's also a manpower measure." Most people will notice no change.

     The Air Force is taking the lead in this initiative. The other Services are interested in the Air Force proposal, but are further behind in the staffing process. After checking the ID card, military gate sentries will render salutes as appropriate when force protection and traffic conditions permit. Visitors will continue to follow the entry procedures established at each Air Force installation. Air Force Security Forces will check for compliance randomly at the gates and during traffic enforcement for all requirements for insurance, state registration, safety inspections, etc? .Motorcycle operators will still need to comply with base safety standards and have required training before being allowed to ride on AF installations. Commanders at all levels will also enforce compliance. Air Force drivers will have to comply with the entry requirements of other Service installations. This might require getting a visitor's pass. Drivers who frequently visit other Service installations may want to consider registering their vehicle at that installation, if allowed to do so.
[Source: Clovis News Journal 4 Mar 07 ++]

Referral Bonus Update 02: Effective 15 MAR the Referral Bonus Program is expanded to include Department of the Army Civilians. This recruiting incentive currently pays Soldiers and Army retirees $2,000 for referring applicants who enlist in the Regular Component of the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard; complete basic training; and graduate advanced individual training. Prior to the new recruit's first meeting with a recruiter, the referral must be made by the Army Civilian at https://www.usarec.army.mil/smart/ or, for Army National Guard recruits, at http://www.1800goguard.com/esar
     The Secretary of the Army may pay a bonus to any Soldier, Army retiree, or Army Civilian who refers to an Army recruiter a person who has not previously served in the Armed Forces and enlists in either the Active Army, Army National Guard or the Army Reserves. The referrer may not be an immediate family member and the Soldier, retiree or Army Civilian referring may not be serving in a recruiting or retention assignment. Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle, Army Deputy Chief of Staff G-1 said, "There are 240,000 Army Civilians, and as the Army Civilian Creed notes, they are dedicated members of the Army Team, they support the mission, and they provide stability and continuity during war and peace and I know they are directing deserving youth to recruiters now. This will not only encourage them but also reward them for their service." For more information about this incentive program, visit https://www.usarec.army.mil/smart/ or call toll free (800) 223-3735, ext. 6-0473. For the Army National Guard, the referrer must either submit the referral through a process via the ESAR (every Soldier is a recruiter) on-line portal http://www.1800goguard.com/esar or via the toll-free number (866) 566-2472.
[Source: ENGUS Minute Man Update 23 Mar 07 ++]

SBP Legislation: On 20 MAR Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC), re-introduced their bills, S. 935 and H.R. 1589, respectively, to end two major survivor benefit inequities. Both bills would end the unfair deduction of VA-paid dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) from SBP. Nelson's bill would also accelerate the effective date of paid-up status for retirees who have paid SBP premiums for 30 years and attained the age of 70. Rep. Jim Saxton's (R-NJ) H.R. 784 addresses this in the House. Both bills would make paid-up coverage effective 1 OCT 07 (vs. 1 OCT 08 under current law). Survivors of active duty and retired members who die of service-connected causes now have DIC ($1,067 per month) deducted from SBP.

    In a joint statement to the President of the Senate upon introducing S.935 Sen. Nelson said, “… Back in 1972, Congress established the military survivors’ benefits plan--or SBP--to provide retirees’ survivors an annuity to protect their income. This benefit plan is a voluntary program purchased by the retiree or issued automatically in the case of service members who die while on active duty. Retired service members pay for this benefit from their retired pay. Upon their death, their spouse or dependent children can receive up to 55% of their retired pay as an annuity. For over five years, I’ve been talking about the unfair and painful offset between SBP and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC, which is received by the surviving spouse of an active duty or retired military member who dies from a service-connected cause. Under current law, even if the surviving spouse of such a service member is eligible for SBP, that purchased annuity is reduced by the amount of DIC received. Another inequity in the current system is the delayed effective date for ‘paid-up status’ under SBP. We should act to correct these injustices this year.

    We have made progress, but even with the important changes made over the last few years, the offset still fails to take care of our military widows and surviving children the way it should. We have considered and adopted increased death gratuity benefits for the survivors of our troops lost in this war, and we have changed the law to enable these survivors to automatically enroll in SBP. However, now we see the pain caused when at the same moment a widow is enrolled in SBP she is hit with the DIC offset. The SBP offset is no less painful for the survivors of our 100% disabled military retirees. SBP is a purchased annuity plan. Before coming to the U.S. Senate, I served as Insurance Commissioner for the State of Florida, and I know of no other purchased annuity program that can then turn around and refuse to pay you the benefits you purchased on the grounds that you are getting a different benefit from somewhere else.

    Our Federal civil servants receive both their purchased survivor income protection annuity and any disability compensation for which they may be entitled--without offset. Why on earth would we treat our 100% disabled military retirees any differently, especially after they have given the best years of their lives and their health in service to the Nation? Let me be clear about this: survivors of servicemembers are entitled in law to automatic enrollment in SBP; 100 percent disabled military retirees purchase SBP. Survivors stand to lose most or even all of the benefits under SBP only because they are also entitled to DIC.”

    The retired community and The Military Coalition which represents them believe strongly that, if military service caused a retired member's death, DIC should be added to the SBP benefit the retiree paid for, not substituted for it. There are about 61,000 survivors affected by the DIC offset. The paid-up SBP initiative would affect 172,000 Greatest Generation retirees. Retirees can help end these SBP inequities by going to the MOAA website http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/ scrolling down to "Survivor Issues" and clicking on H.R. 1589, S. 935, and H.R. 784 to send your legislators a suggested- message urging them to cosponsor these important bills. [Source: MOAA Leg Up & TREA News Flash 23 Mar 07 ++]



VDBC Update 15: At their March meeting the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) Chairman Terry Scott, (LTG USA, Ret.) tabled any recommendation regarding SBP/DIC, concurrent retirement pay and disability compensation until a future meeting. As reported in the past, five options are under consideration, including:

1. Endorsing an offset of military retirement by VA disability compensation for everyone. (Pre-CRDP policy);
2. Endorsing the current tiered CRDP/CRSC approach;
3. Endorsing full concurrent receipt of both longevity retired pay and VA compensation for those with 20 plus years of service;
4. Endorsing the current election of CRDP and CRSC and expand tiered approach to 20 plus YOS for retirees rated 10-40%; and
5. Endorsing the previous option and extending CRSC and CRDP criteria to Chapter 61 retirees with less than 20 years of service.

     The Commission did decide not to consider option one, and Chairman Scott requested staff to compile potential cost estimates on the four remaining issue options and provide commission members with potential compensation tables for disabled retirees. The VDBC final report will include a number of research topics in the form of issue papers ranging from disability compensation, pension, survivor and dependent benefits. The VDBC meets monthly in the Washington DC area and the final report is due to Congress by 1OCT 07. For more information on VDBC refer to http://www.vetscommission.org
[Source: FRA News Bytes 23 Mar 07 ++]


Military Pay Tax Bill: The Armed Forces Tax Relief Act A bill HR 1559 exempting all military pay and benefits from federal income taxes was introduced 18 MAR in the House of Representatives by Rep. John Culberson (R-TX). Culberson is not the first person to propose federal tax exclusions for all service members. Similar legislation has rarely received any serious attention in Congress, because the drop in federal tax revenues would have to be made up by increasing taxes on other Americans, or by cutting spending on federal entitlement programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and military and federal civilian retired pay — all unpopular choices for politicians, according to House aides working on military personnel issues. The aides asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to reporters. The measure was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, where it is one of several military-related tax measures introduced since the new session of Congress started in January. It is, by far, the most ambitious because it would expand tax exclusions to everyone on active duty. Currently, such exclusions are limited to active-duty members only while serving in combat zones.

     Under Culberson’s bill, National Guard and reserve members would still be taxed on their military pay while in a drilling status. Under his bill, all military compensation — including basic pay, special pays and bonuses — would not be counted as income for tax purposes for active-duty members. Military retired pay would still be taxable. The bill would apply to income received in calendar year 2007. Several bills have been introduced since January that are aimed at helping mobilized Guard and reserve members and their employers by providing tax breaks for making up lost salary while mobilized, hiring temporary replacement workers and for lost production. Just last week, two bills were introduced to provide tax exemptions of up to $2,000 for military members and their families. Both of those bills are sponsored by Rep. Christopher Carney (D-PA) a Navy Reserve officer:

* One would allow a combat-zone tax break for the spouses of deployed service members. When a military member spends a cumulative 90 days in a combat zone, or is hospitalized for combat injuries, their spouses could receive a federal tax deduction of 2% of their adjusted gross income, up to a maximum of $2,000.

* The second would give all active-duty service members, and reservists on inactive duty training, the same exclusion, also capped at $2,000 a year.

     Carney’s bills, like Culberson’s, are awaiting decisions by the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for passing all tax-related legislation, about whether to package proposed legislation into a single military-related tax bill, or to consider the proposals as it passes a more general collection of tax changes. A decision on how to proceed is unlikely before the House of Representatives approves an overall spending and revenue plan, which could happen within two weeks.
[Source: NavyTimes Rick Maze article 21Mar 07 ++]


Medal of Honor Day: The United States Congress has designated March 25th of each year through Public Law 101-564 as National Medal Of Honor Day, a day dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. Conceived in the State of Washington, this holiday should be one of our most revered. Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives met on 21 MAR with 31 recipients of the Medal of Honor as part of an effort to acknowledge the nation’s greatest heroes and highlight this year’s first ever national "Medal of Honor Day" The date was chosen because it was on March 25 in 1863 that the first Medals of Honor were presented to six Union soldiers. The medal was originally authorized in 1861 for sailors and Marines, and the following year for Army soldiers as well. Since then, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of all services and the Coast Guard, as well as to a few civilians who distinguished themselves with valor. Almost half of thes were Civil War soldiers. Since the beginning of World War II, only 846 Medals of Honor have been awarded. Over half that number died in their moment of heroism. Only 328 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from Pearl Harbor to Somalia have survived to actually wear the Medal. Today only 111 of them are still with us.

     National Medal of Honor day is celebrated in some communities, however for the most part the occasion comes and goes with little notice. Patriotic Americans are encouraged to commemorate this day by:

* Fly your flag on this day.
* As a gesture of your appreciation, take a few moments in the week prior to National Medal of Honor Day to mail a "Thank You" card to one of our living Medal of Honor recipients. You can find a list of the living as well as information on writing to them at http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/wall/2living.html
* Most newspapers are not aware that this special day exists. Why not tip your local media to the occasion. Before you do, check out http://www.homeofheroes.com/hometownheroes/index.html for Medal of Honor recipients from your city and state as well as any who might be buried in your city. This information can give your media a "local angle" that can increase the probability that they will consider doing a story to remind Americans of our heroes.
* Consider doing something in your local schools, or even on a civic level, if there is a Medal of Honor recipient living near your location.
* If there is a Medal of Honor recipient buried in your home town, get a school class, scout troop, or other youth organization to "adopt a grave site".

     The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is the organization chartered by the U. S. Congress to represent the affairs and concerns of those few Americans who wear the Medal of Honor. Refer to http://www.cmohs.org for additional info on their organization and awardees. All matters related to the Medal of Honor should be directed to the CMOH Society at: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Tel: (843) 884-8862/1471F
[Source: Senate Committee On Veterans' Affairs msg. 22 Mar 07 ++]

Tricare/CHAMPUS Fraud Update 05: An indictment has been filed by the Department of Justice against Health Visions Corporation and all Health Visions owned facilities. On 16 MAR HQ TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) notified Philippine Tricare beneficiaries of their decision to suspend claim payments associated with a large number of Philippine providers who either used HVC as a billing agent or those who contracted with HVC to provide health care services affiliated/associated with HVC. This affected all claims received on or after 8 NOV 06 for medical services from these providers regardless of when the services were provided. This payment suspension was put in place for an indefinite period of time as determined by HQ TMA. The suspension of claims payments also applied to beneficiary-submitted claims seeking reimbursement for services which were obtained from those same providers. After review HQ TMA decided to remove a large number of these providers from their suspended list and have advised that any claims associated with their services will be processed under normal claim processing procedures until further notice. The suspension of payments remains in effect for the following Philippine Institutional providers:

Divine Shepard
Philippine International Hospital
Riverfront International Hospital
St John The Baptist Hospital
Subic Bay Medical Center
Total Life Care

     For the foreseeable future, and until otherwise notified, Tricare Area Office Pacific (TAO-P) recommends that Philippine beneficiaries not seek TRICARE services from the providers whose claims are under suspension. If a beneficiary does seek services from these providers, any submitted claim will be pended, and not reimbursed, until the situation is resolved with the particular provider. TAO-P recommends that beneficiaries seek TRICARE services from any of the other certified Philippine providers who are not on the claims-suspended list. More detailed information can be found on the TAO-P website: http://tpaoweb.oki.med.navy.mil by clicking on the “TRICARE in the Philippines” button. There you will find a NOTICE to all beneficiaries, a listing of the providers under this suspended claims action, a list of authorized providers, and some other important links. TAO-P regrets the inconvenience these actions may cause beneficiaries and providers, but they are necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the TRICARE program as it is implemented and managed in the Philippines.

     If there are any specific questions in regard to the “Suspension of Claims Payment” list, contact the WPS Overseas Claims Processor via (608) 301-2310/2311, or secure email: Questions via WPS’ website at http://www.tricare4u.com or by writing to: WPS/TRICARE Overseas, P.O. Box 7635, Madison, WI 53707. As usual, for general TRICARE customer service questions, contact my TRICARE Pacific Regional Customer Service Center (RCSC) at Regional Customer Service Center (RCSC), TAO-P, Camp Lester, Okinawa via phone 0730-1630 M-F Japan Standard Time COMM: (81) 6117-43-2036, DSN: 643-2036, TOLL FREE: 1-888-777-8343, Option 4 or EMAIL: TPAO.CSC@med.navy.mil
[Source: Chief, Program Operations (TAO-P) Lt Col Tony Ingram msg. 16 & 22 Mar 07 ++]

Filipino Vet Inequities: A number of issues affecting Filipino veterans who served in WWII are being addressed in the 110th Congress. During WWII the Philippines was a Commonwealth of the U.S. making their soldiers part of the U.S. allied forces. Many are former members of the Philippine Scouts, a U.S. Army unit. Others formed the resistance against Japanese troops after U.S. forces surrendered at Bataan. Upon termination of hostilities Washington broke wartime promises dating back to 1946 that the soldiers could become U.S. citizens and enjoy the same pension and medical benefits as American troops. The federal government has since belatedly fulfilled some of those commitments, but only in the past two decades and only in fits and starts. Some issues continue to remain unresolved It took Washington 45 years after the war to offer veterans a proper chance to obtain citizenship. There are as many as over 50,000 Filipino veterans of World War II alive today. Some 10,000 are said to live in the United States. Most are in their 70s and 80s.

     Many of these elderly veterans, including those wounded in battle and awarded the Bronze Star and other medals, are living their last years far from their children and grandchildren because of U.S. immigration rules. Veterans and their backers say the need to reunite divided families only grows more urgent given the advancing age of the veterans. The Immigration Act of 1990 allowed each veteran to bring only one immediate family member to the United States . The shortcomings of that law have left the sons and daughters of the veterans with little choice but to get in line for immigration visas along with everyone else if they want to live in the U.S. On average, they must wait about 20 years because so many Filipinos hope to emigrate and the limits are set by nationality. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) introduced legislation in the last to years to remedy the situation. It would allow children of Filipino World War II veterans to sidestep the immigration waiting list. The measure died last year when it was included in a large omnibus immigration bill that was derailed by disagreements over a border fence and making English the national language. According to an Akaka spokesman Akaka is optimistic the Senate will pass the reunification legislation this year. The Veterans Affairs Committee, which Akaka chairs, plans to hold hearings on the issue next month coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the Bataan Death March on 9 APR.

     Other lawmakers plan a bill that would give full pension and disability benefits to those Filipino veterans who have been denied the same benefits as former American soldiers. If enacted it would give many the opportunity to return to the Philippines to live near their families. However, it is necessary for those in poor health to continue to reside in the U.S. to access the medical care, medicines, and therapy available at veterans’ facilities. There are no VA hospitals in the Philippines and only one Outpatient Clinic located in Manila which most could not access. At present the following legislation has been introduced in Congress to address Filipino inequities:

* S.0057: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07).
* S.0066: A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II. Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/4/07).
* S.0671: Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act. A bill to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [HI].
* H.R.0760: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/31/07).
[Source: Associated Press Audrey McAvoy article 22 Mar 07 ++]

VA Facility Maintenance: The Veterans Affairs’ vast network of 1,400 health clinics and hospitals is beset by maintenance problems such as mold, leaking roofs and even a colony of bats, an internal review says. The investigation, ordered two weeks ago by VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, is the first major review of the facilities conducted since the disclosure of squalid conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center . A copy of the report was provided to The Associated Press. Democrats newly in charge of Congress called the report the latest evidence of an outdated system unable to handle a coming influx of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan . Investigators earlier this month found that the VA’s system for handling disability claims was strained to its limit. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee said, “Who’s been minding the store?” They keep putting Band-Aids on problems, when what the agency needs is major triage.” The report found that 90% of the 1,100 problems cited were deemed to be of a more routine nature: worn-out carpet, peeling paint, mice sightings and dead bugs at VA centers. The other 10% were considered serious and included mold spreading in patient care areas. Eight cases were so troubling they required immediate attention and follow-up action, according to the 94-page review. Some of the more striking problems found and noted in the report were:

     Deteriorating walls and hallways were common, requiring repair, patch and paint in 30 percent of patient areas in Little Rock AR.
     Roof leaks throughout the VA clinic in White City OR requiring continuously repair, mold clean up, spraying and/removal of ceiling tiles.” Also, large colonies of bats residing outside the facility that sometimes flew into the attics and interior parts of the building. Of benefit is that the bats keep the insect pollution to a minimum.
     Secondhand smoke from an outside smoking shelter sometimes infiltrated the building through the women’s restroom in Oklahoma City
     Numerous unspecified “environmental conditions” affected the quality of the building in New York ‘s Hudson Valley , with the private landlord repeatedly refusing to fix problems. The VA is taking steps to relocate to another facility.
     Roof leaks or mold at facilities such as Hudson Valley NY; North Chicago IL; Indianapolis IN ; Puget Sound WA; Portland OR ; and Fayetteville AR..

     VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health Michael Kussman said he special review of all facilities concludes most deficiencies involve “normal wear and tear." He noted that most of the maintenance issues identified in the special report did not involve areas providing direct patient care. The overwhelming majority of issues identified are the kinds of items you would expect to find -- and see being addressed -- in an organization with nearly 150 million square feet of space where 1 million patients come each week. Kussman said the Department's $519 million maintenance budget for this year, coupled with $573 million proposed for next year, should take care of any maintenance shortcomings. If further funds are needed, VA pledged to work with congressional committees to identify how to best address those needs. "VA facilities are inspected more frequently than any other health care facilities in the nation," Kussman said. "We will continue to monitor closely the progress of corrective action identified by this special report."

     Veterans groups said they were concerned about the findings but also appreciated the VA’s aggressive efforts to identify problems. “We now expect these problems to be corrected immediately and not shelved due to insufficient funding or because the proper care and treatment of our wounded veterans is no longer in the national spotlight,” said Joe Davis, spokesman of Veterans of Foreign Wars. In response, Nicholson this week ordered “immediate corrective action” to fix problems, with full accounting provided to the VA. [Source: Associated Press Hope Yencarticle 22 Mar 07 ++]

Veterans Benefit Protection Act: The H.R. 5549 Attorneys for Veterans Act was passed in the 109th Congress after lengthy negotiations and compromise between the House and Senate Veteran Affairs committees and signed into law. Basically it gave veterans the right to hire an attorney to represent them in furthering their claims only after the VA had issued an initial decision on their claim and the claimant had appealed. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, which provides free representation for veterans in appeal cases, was opposed to that legislation fearing that among other things attorneys would unduly charge for their services on such claims. DAV recently sent out a letter to their Commanders and members on the subject. They were urged to sign the petitions and send them to Congress in an effort to repeal the "Attorneys for Veterans" legislation passed last year through the newly submitted Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act” H.R. 1318 in the 110th Congress.

     On 19 MAR, Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), who favors "Attorneys for Veterans" and who was mentioned in the DAV's letter, responded via letter to the DAV regarding their claims in an effort to correct what appears to be a "misrepresentation" of his involvement and support of the legislation. Among other things he said that he believes veterans to be mature, responsible, and capable enough to decide for themselves whether or not to hire legal representation. That the legislation only gives veterans the option of do so and they should not be discouraged from availing of free assistance provided by many veteran service organizations. His letter can be viewed at http://www.vawatchdog.com/07/nf07/nfMAR07/nf032007-8.htm

     Additionally, commentary from an attorney who represents veterans in the VA claims process was received that said, "I believe Senator Craig wrote a very well reasoned response to the DAV. The only thing I would have added is since the new law only allows attorney representation after a denial by the VA Regional Office and the submission of a Notice of Disagreement, attorney representation would only occur after a Veterans' Service Organization (VSO) (if the veteran was so represented) has failed to obtain a favorable decision. I believe this is a very important point. If the veteran first obtained VSO representation [from the DAV, for example], and that representation failed to obtain a favorable result, why shouldn't the veteran then be allowed to seek other representation, if he or she so chooses?"
[Source: VA Watchdog dot Org Larry Scott article 20 Mar 07 ++]

Echo Taps Worldwide:  Hundreds of volunteer brass players are being recruited to perform the 24 notes of “Taps” on 19 May 07, in recognition of Armed Forces Day at National Cemeteries, State Veterans Cemeteries and American Battle Monuments Cemeteries overseas. The event, called “Echo Taps Worldwide,” is being organized by the VA National Cemetery Administration and Bugles Across America to honor and remember American veterans through a worldwide performance of Taps. Organizers also hope the event will interest brass players in volunteering to perform Taps at the military funerals of veterans throughout the year. Each day, America loses about 1,800 of its veterans, primarily those who fought in World War II and Korea. In honor of them and the service they provided, it is important that our Nation preserves the tradition of a live bugler to play final military honors. During the event, players will form a line through the cemetery and perform a cascading version of Taps. Brass players of all ages are encouraged to perform at the cemetery of their choice. Schools and other organizations are also invited to participate in the tribute as performers or support volunteers. Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's website, which is attached to the "Echo Taps" website http://www.echotaps.org

     The first large “Echo Taps” event occurred In May 05, when 674 brass players from 30 states lined 42-miles of road between Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, NY, and Bath National Cemetery in Bath, NY. Playing “Taps” in cascade, it took nearly three hours from the first note played at Woodlawn to the final note of Taps sounded at the National Cemetery at Bath. In 2006, players performed “Echo Taps” at 52 National Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries across the Nation on Veterans Day in preparation for the upcoming effort. The Armed Forces Day event in 2007 will involve buglers around the world to include participants at American Battle Monument Cemeteries overseas. Thomas Day, a Marine veteran who founded Bugles Across America in 2000 said, “A live bugler performing Taps is an expression of the Nation’s appreciation for the service of each veteran. With more than 600,000 veterans dying each year, we are always looking for new volunteers to perform this valuable service. Echo Taps Worldwide will honor America’s 40 million veterans who have served over the course of our history and draw attention to the need for more buglers to perform “Taps” as part of final military honors. [Source: TREA Update 12 Jan 07 ++]

Recruiter Misconduct Update 02:  The military is considering installing surveillance cameras in recruiting stations across the country, the most dramatic of several new steps to address a rise