NewsBytes May 6, 2022
In this issue:
Bill to Block VA Resources to Help Illegal Border Aliens Introduced
HVAC Subcommittees Discuss VA Claims
Senate Finds Problems with Military Housing Contractor
Get the Most from Your TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits
VE Day 77 Years ago
Bill Introduced to Block VA Resources Going to Southern Border to Help Illegal Aliens
Senator John Boozman (Ark.) has introduced legislation (S.4082) to block the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from diverting veteran’s resources to manage the crisis at the southern border. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that the Biden administration is considering diverting VA manpower and funding. According to VA staff testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), the VA is currently understaffed by 2,800 positions. At the hearing, SVAC Chairman Jon Tester (Mont.) pressed Gina Grosso, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness, on recent claims of sending VA employees to the border. She claimed that VA and DHS have not yet had discussions on this issue. Members are encouraged to weigh in on this issue with the FRA Action Center online.
HVAC Subcommittees Discuss VA Claims
Two House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittees held a joint hearing focusing on the quality of representation in the VA disability claims process. The hearing highlighted the importance of VA-accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSO) claim representatives, attorneys, and agents who must adhere to professional and ethical standards. Unaccredited claim consultants, or “Claim Sharks,” avoid VA oversight, charge unreasonable fees and offer inferior service. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this problem of predatory claims practices has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
FRA’s VSOs oversee the association’s VSO program and represent veterans throughout the claims process as well as before the Board of Veteran’s Appeals. The association is congressionally chartered, recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and entrusted to serve all veterans who seek its help. The FRA also provides training for members to become a VA accredited veteran service officer. Our VSOs help veterans navigate their VA benefits and their claims and appeals process at no cost to the veteran. Veterans can reach out to their local FRA branch to inquire about VSOs or contact NHQ to seek assistance at: theoL@fra.org.
Senate Probe Finds Problems with Military Housing Contractor
The Senate Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recently held a hearing on the mistreatment of military families in privatized housing on U.S. military installations. The subcommittee focused on privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC at Fort Gordon, Ga. This company is one of the largest providers of privatized military housing, which is still failing to correct mold and other structural problems — threating the health and safety of service members and their families. The company pleaded guilty in December 2021 to committing fraud against the U.S. government from 2013 to 2019. The company was ordered to pay $65.4 million in fines and restitution and placed under an independent compliance monitor for three years. The Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Jon Ossoff (Ga.) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (Wis.) are conducting a bipartisan investigation into military privatized housing that has been plagued by problems for many years.
The FRA welcomes this investigation and wants to ensure service members and their families have safe, quality homes and communities. The association wants to increase the accountability of privatized housing companies by putting more oversight authority in the hands of local military leaders.
Get the Most from Your TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits
The Defense Health Agency has scheduled a webinar for Thursday, May 19, from 1300 to 1400 (1:00 pm-2:00 pm) EST that’s focused on the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. The webinar is completely virtual and will include a Q&A following the presentation. Participants must be registered and in the webinar platform to submit a question electronically. Those that call in by phone, will only be able to listen to the webinar.
Description: The TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides your prescription drug coverage. This webinar will help you learn more about your pharmacy benefit to help you get the most from it. It will highlight how the pharmacy benefit works, including your pharmacy options, covered and non-covered drugs, updated costs, and resources to help you manage your prescriptions. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.
Webinar registration link.
TRICARE article .
Related TRICARE resources for TRICARE Pharmacy .
VE Day 77 Years ago
“Victory in Europe Day” is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of German’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe 77 years ago.
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