Reschedule Canceled VA Health Care
Veterans whose VA health care appointments were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic can contact the VA to reschedule by calling or messaging their care team. Primary care and mental health appointments can be rescheduled using the VA Appointment Tool and use of telehealth services are encouraged. The VA reminds veterans with in-person appointments to wear masks and be prepared for COVID-19 symptom screening when they arrive. To receive answers on COVID-19, as well as VA benefits and services, veterans can interact with the Coronavirus Chatbox found on the VA’s website.
Survivors’ Benefits Bill Introduced In House
Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced VFW-supported H.R. 8559, the house companion bill to S. 4594. This important legislation would expand the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefit for surviving spouses. This bill is the result of recommendations made in Independent Budget co-authored by Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Caregivers At The Forefront
The 5th Annual National Virtual Convening, Caregivers At The Forefront, presented by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Philips was held virtually on Monday Oct. 19, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. This event was free and open to the public. There were remarks from Senator Elizabeth Dole, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, House Committee on Veterans’ affairs Chairman Mark Takano and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran along with others. It included virtual networking sessions, presentations and critical resources to help the military and veteran population.
National Museum Of The United States Army To Open Soon
This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, The National Museum of the United States Army located at Fort Belvoir, VA, will officially open to the public. The museum will open with enhanced health and safety measures for visitors. Free, timed-entry tickets are required and there will be no walk-up tickets available. This is the first national museum to capture more than 240 years of Army history.
VA #FightFlu Initiative
The VA has expanded the options eligible veterans have on where they can receive a seasonal no-cost flu shot. Veterans can now receive a standard-dose or high-dose flu shot at their local VA Health Care facility, in-network community retail pharmacy or an urgent care location. If you are eligible, you only need to present a valid, government-issued ID at a covered location.
Unprecedented Poll Worker Shortage
Healthy elections require poll workers, the majority of whom are over the age of 60. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, election officials are reporting an unprecedented shortage. Without sufficient numbers of poll workers, it is possible that polling locations could have long lines, lack of staff to assist voters and possible closures of polling locations. The VFW encourages any member, advocate or supporter, who is healthy and willing, to consider becoming a poll worker for the general election in November. The Stanford-MIT Healthy Election Project has partnered with local organizations like Power the Polls, which helps to follow up with applicants, confirm their commitment and assist them in completing the process. If you sign up through this special VFW link, you will be contacted by Power of the Polls, a partner organization or your local election administrators.
