Health Care News
Bipartisan Bill Looks to Help Veterans with Real ID Problem
Friday, March 10, 2017 | Category: Health Care - ME
Maine military veterans using New Hwmpshire Department of Veterans Affairs services could not continue to access these services with their Maine driver's license as of January 1, 2017 due to a the lack of identification required by the federal 2005 Real ID law. Maine and four other states have not complied with federal guidance to date. In the meantime, state legislation was submitted to fund federal passport cards for these veterans until Maine resolves compliance.
New Facility Planned for Togus to Aid Caregivers of Veterans
Sunday, February 19, 2017 | Category: Health Care - ME
The Fisher House Foundation is funding the construction of a 16-suite facility on the grounds of the Maine VA Maine Togus campus. It will provide free lodging for caregivers of patients receiving treatment on campus. To date, the Fisher House Foundation has 71 houses on 24 military installations and at 29 Veterans Affairs medical centers worldwide.
Veterans Now Have a Seat at the Table in Congress
Friday, January 27, 2017 | Category: Health Care - ME
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, Maine's 2d Congressional District, was appointed to the House Veterans Affairs Committee. This congressional committee is the congressional body responsible for all legislative matters relevant to improving care and services for veterans, including congressional oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans Count on Togus to Adapt to a New Mission (Part 3)
Monday, September 12, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
In this Part 3 of 3 articles marking the 150th anniversary of Togus, U.S. veteran demographics reveal the changes Maine Veterans Affairs must make to meet the needs of their older and younger generations of veterans. Both in the nation and in Maine, the total number of veterans is decreasing. The article notes: "Though the total number of veterans enrolled in Togus is projected to shrink from 54,016 in 2015 to 48,460 in 2035, the portion of women in that population is projected to grow from 6 percent to 11 percent during the same time frame, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. At the same time, veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan made up 13 percent of VA Maine Healthcare System enrollees in 2015, but are expected to make up 20 percent by 2035.'
After Decades Avoiding the Water, Amputee Invents His Way to Dive Back In
Thursday, April 28, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Randy and Lori Lord of Danforth, Maine dedicated decades to developing a prosthetic to aid amputees to swim in their home kitchen. At one point they thought about giving up, but veterans returning from Iraq sparked their interest to continue. Today, they ship their "AMP FIN" worldwide. It is manufactured in Maine, they have a U.S. patent and are applying for country patents. They hope to open nationwide stores, managed exclusively by veterans.
Pingree Calls on VA to Replace Contractor in Troubled Veterans Choice Program
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree told David Shulkin, undersecretary for health at the VA, "she has heard enough complaints about Health Net to be convinced it should be replaced." The Veterans Choice program, created in 2014, is not solving the problem of timely health care appointments for veterans. Her office also suggested that a Health Net employee be assigned to the Togus hospital, so veterans have face-to-face contact.
ARCH Program Moves One Step Closer to Being Extended
Thursday, April 14, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
The Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program was extended two years by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, successfully advocated for the program's continuance.
Federal Veterans Budget Includes Nearly $7 Million for Portland Clinic
Thursday, April 14, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Appropriations Committee, announced that the 2017 fiscal year budget for military construction and veterans affairs included about $7 million to relocate and consolidate the Portland and Saco veterans’ outpatient clinics. Monies would cover a new facility lease, more services, and support a partnership between the VA Maine Healthcare System, Maine Medical Center, and the Tufts University School of Medicine. The bill awaits a final full Senate vote.
Second Access Stand Down at VA Maine a Success
Saturday, February 27, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
VA Maine Togus held its second "Access Stand Down" in Augusta. It’s a national event and today many Maine veterans took advantage of access to Saturday health care services.
Advocacy Committee says Spreading Awareness of Arch Program Potentially Ending is Vital
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
The "Aroostook Veterans Advocacy Committee" called a meeting of interested citizens to talk about the future of the ARCH and Veterans Choice programs. The meeting was well attended and will be followed by a meeting with the Maine VA Center Director in the near future.