Veterans Report - Week of October 13, 2014

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Veterans Report - Week of October 13, 2014

Military-tough Tech Gear
Under the Radar recently took the ECOROX and ECOSTONE wireless speakers to the beach and threw them in the ocean. They held up with no issues and floated effortless to the surface every time. So, if you're looking for wireless tunes to use at the lake or the beach or even around the pool at home, these speakers are going to handle any accidental water-related abuse you might hurl at them. (http://undertheradar.military.com/2014/ ... -speakers/) Read more on Under the Radar.


Make Sure You Get TRICARE Change Info
TRICARE beneficiaries need to watch their email and ensure they have a milConnect account to receive information about changes to their TRICARE coverage. The Department of Defense is no longer sending paper letters to notify beneficiaries about changes to their coverage and eligibility status. Beneficiaries will now receive emails or post cards directing them to online resources where they can view their information. If you have a valid email address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), you will receive an email telling you to visit (http://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) milConnect to read your letter. If you do not have an email address in DEERS, you will receive a post card directing you to milConnect. Visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil) www.tricare.mil to review general benefits information, or contact your regional contractor for assistance.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


CNH Industrial is Hiring Vets
Whether you're a veteran in search of a career path or in transition from the military, CNH offers a broad range of veteran employment opportunities in an exciting global environment that will put your military skills and expertise to optimal use. Be a part of a global team that is truly "Shaping our World." (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =vr1013.nl) Learn more.


Use Your VA Loan: 2014 Tax Break, No PMI, $0 Down
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1013.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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TRICARE and Transitioning from the Military
As you transition from the military, you must continue to have health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. TRICARE offers the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), which is a premium-based health care program that acts as a bridge for beneficiaries transitioning from military health benefits to a new civilian health plan. Former active duty servicemembers and their families are eligible for 18 months of CHCBP. Beneficiaries must purchase and enroll in CHCBP within 60 days of losing TRICARE eligibility. For more information about CHCBP, visit the CHCBP webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/CHCBP) www.tricare.mil/CHCBP, download the (http://www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TR ... ochure.pdf) Continued Health Care Benefit Program Brochure and the (http://www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TR ... CBP_FS.pdf) Continued Health Care Benefit Program Fact Sheet.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Transitioning Airmen Lose Health Care
More than 1,000 airmen who were given six months of transitional health insurance when they voluntarily separated are now seeing their coverage yanked. The Air Force blamed clerical errors at a number of bases for allowing the airmen to mistakenly receive the health coverage in the first place.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... arily.html) Read the full article on Military.com


DoD on Par with Civilian Health Care
A recent 90-day review of the Military Healthcare System found it "comparable in access, quality and safety to average private-sector health care." That was disappointing to hear for a medical system that, for decades, has described itself as overall excellent and among the best in the country. The 700-page report also turns a spotlight on a new tool that patients, staff and outside health experts agree is improving access to care and perhaps quality too: a secure messaging system between patients and military physicians. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ent-email/) Read the full article on the Military Advantage.


AF Testing New Cold Wx Uniform
Air Force Uniform Office designers and engineers are currently fit testing a new cold weather aviation system (CWAS) for aircrews flying in cold weather environments. The request is to develop a flame-resistant system that can also keep aircrews warm in temperatures as cold as minus 20, with a 55 mph wind. To withstand the freezing temperatures, the CWAS has five layers. Airmen can also submit uniform suggestions from the field via the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal by clicking on the 'Airmen Powered by Innovation' link. Ideas that are accepted go to the virtual uniform board. Those suggestions are then looked at by various command representatives and those that are selected are sent to the Air Force Uniform Office with chief of staff approval.
For more on Air Force and other military uniforms, check the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forc ... guide.html) Military.com Uniform section.


$1 Million Family Protection from $41 a Month
Protection for less. Get $1,000,000 Coverage from less than $1.50 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr1013.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


VA Reduces Staph Infections
A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative targeting potentially life-threatening staph infections in hospitalized patients has produced significant positive results, according to recent statistics released by VA. VA's success in substantially reducing rates of health care-associated infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) serves as important confirmation that multifaceted intervention strategies can achieve effective and sustained control of MRSA in U.S. Hospitals. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2012 MRSA surveillance report from its (http://www.cdc.gov/abcs/reports-finding ... rsa12.html) Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs), the CDC cites that there were 75,309 cases of invasive MRSA infections and 9,670 deaths due to invasive MRSA in 2012. For more information about VA health care, visit (http://www.va.gov/health/) www.va.gov/health.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Proposes Shuttering Procurement Office
The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed removal of the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer (DCPO), Veterans Health Administration Procurement & Logistics Office, following an investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General in which allegations of conduct prejudicial to the Government were substantiated. To ensure continuity of service to Veterans and leadership for VA employees during this time, Ricky Lemmon, Director, Service Area Office Central, has been designated Acting Deputy Procurement and Logistics Officer. The report is available on the VA Office of Inspector General website at (http://www.va.gov/oig/publications/repo ... sp?id=3215) www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=3215.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Whistle Blower Protection Certification
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has certified VA under OSC's 2302(c) Whistleblower Protection (https://osc.gov/Pages/Outreach-2302Cert.aspx) Certification Program on October 3, 2014. Certification under OSC's 2302(c) Certification Program is just one of several steps VA has taken to ensure its employees have a safe channel for disclosing whistleblower information. VA has (1) placed informational posters regarding prohibited personnel practices (PPP), whistleblowing, and whistleblower retaliation in a public setting in VA facilities and offices; (2) provided new hires with written materials on the above topics, (3) developed a (http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/whistlebl ... ection.asp) website on PPP and whistleblower rights and protections, and (4) provides in cooperation with the OSC, supervisory training on these topics on a regular basis.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Launches Burn Pit Registry
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry for servicemembers and veterans who may have been exposed to airborne hazards such as burn pits, oil-well fires and dust storms. The Burn Pit Registry will help VA and doctors better assess the health of veterans and determine to what extent air pollution from burn pits caused diseases and medical conditions in servicemembers. Veterans and servicemembers can use the registry questionnaire to report exposures to airborne hazards, as well as other exposures and health concerns. Take the questionnaire (https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHB ... #page/home) online. Most veterans and servicemembers will complete the questionnaire once. However, VA may ask others to participate in studies that could involve additional questionnaires and exams.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Partners With Walgreens
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will join forces with retailer Walgreens to provide greater access to vaccinations to veterans across the country. Through its nearly 8,200 locations nationwide, Walgreens will offer flu and other recommended vaccinations to veterans. Pharmacists can administer vaccinations and will use eHealth Exchange to securely share immunization records with VA. Vaccinations are available daily during all pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary and are subject to availability. To find the nearest Walgreens, veterans can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit or visit the Walgreens website at (http://www.walgreens.com/) www.walgreens.com. For more information about VA's immunization program, visit the VA eHealth website at (http://www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp) www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Save Up to 66 Percent on TRICARE Costs
Save on the out of pocket costs that TRICARE doesn't cover. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr1013.nl) Save now.


VA Continues Town Hall Events
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald has directed all Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and benefits facilities to continue to hold quarterly town-hall events to improve communication with, and hear directly from, Veterans nationwide. This follows the recent completion of town-halls at these facilities held between August and the end of September of this year. Details of events at each location will be forthcoming from local facilities. VA is also looking to continue to improve the town hall notification process. In addition to Veterans and their families, the quarterly meetings are open to Congressional stakeholders, Veterans Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and other community partners.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Awards Contract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that the MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit company that operates multiple federally funded research and development centers, has been awarded a contract to support the Independent Assessment of VA health care processes, as required by the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 ("Choice Act"). VA has taken steps to implement Choice Act legislation, including: (1) establishing a Program Management office to oversee implementation of the legislation, (2) authorized major medical facility leases, (3) extended the pilot program called (http://www.va.gov/health/arch/) Project ARCH for veterans in rural areas, and (4) holding (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2629) Industry Day to seek input on how best issue Veterans Choice cards.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.