News
Maine’s Congressional Delegation Seeks Prompt Action on ‘Deeply Flawed’ Veterans Program
Friday, February 5, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
On February 5, 2016, the Maine Congressional delegation sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs articulating their concerns with the Veterans Choice Program. The program was intended to provide veterans with the opportunity to receive medical care more quickly and closer to their homes, but it "remains deeply flawed."
LePage Promotes New Adjutant General
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: National Guard Bureau - ME
Douglas A. Farnham was officially promoted to Brigadier General by Governor Paul LePage today. General Farnham was recently confirmed by the Maine Senate to serve as the adjutant general and commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
Program to Hasten Veterans’ Care Poorly Implemented, Maine Advocates Say
Saturday, January 30, 2016 | Category: Health Care - ME
Delayed care, unscheduled doctor appointments, and billing errors are not yet resolved for veterans trying to use the Department of Veterans Affairs 2014
"Veterans Choice Program." At best, half of the appointments have been met. Health Net Inc., one of the program managers, spoke with Maine veteran advocates sharing that there it is a one-person staff in New Hampshire trying to create and manage the entire New England provider network and manage provider claim disputes. A VA Maine Healthcare System report mirrored findings in the inspector general’s report.
Report: Maine's State Veterans Agency is "Dramatically Underfunded"
Friday, January 29, 2016 | Category: State Veteran Affairs - ME
The "Commission to Strengthen and Align the Services Provided to Maine's Veterans" released their final report. Amongst the recommendations, was to better fund Maine's Bureau of Veterans Services, improve communication with veterans, and work transportation challenges. The full Commission report is linked in the Bangor Daily News article.
Many Maine Veterans Still Waiting for Timely Health Care
Thursday, January 28, 2016 | Category: State Veteran Affairs - ME
Under the $10 billion dollar Veterans Choice Program implemented to shorten veterans' wait times for health care appointments, less than half of Maine veterans requesting appointments since July 2015 have been scheduled. Veterans who live 40 miles or more from a Department of Veterans Affairs facility or have to wait more than 30 days for care are eligible for private doctor care. Health Net, the company managing the federal program, granted that there are problems that must be fixed.
New 101st Wing Commander: Air Guard in a 'Pretty Good Place'
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 | Category: National Guard Bureau - ME
Colonel Adam Jenkins, from Hampden, assumed command of the Maine Air National Guard 101st Air Refueling Wing on January 20, 2016.
United Veterans of Maine Looking to End Veteran Homelessness
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - ME
On January 27, 2016, the United Veterans of Maine volunteers will travel around County communities to survey how many homeless veterans there are.
Walmart Donates $2,500 Toward Veterans' Monument
Monday, January 25, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
The Sanford Walmart donated $2500 to the Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery Association. Mr. Rivard, Secretary of the Association, met with Walmart manager Cory Ricker to discuss the future purchase a monument honoring soldiers listed as prisoners of war or missing in action. Collette Monuments of Lewiston, Maine provided initial monument sketches.
Maine in Line to Be First State with Annual Veterans Arts Day
Thursday, January 21, 2016 | Category: Arts - ME
The Maine legislature’s State and Local Government Committee unanimously supported a "Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Day." Art helps many veterans transition to civilian life understanding suicide, homelessness, and unemployment rates are higher for veterans compared to other populations. If passed by the full legislature, November 1st will annually mark "Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Day." It would be the first such program in the United States.
Eddington Woman's Gift for Vets Gives Back
Thursday, January 21, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
Through the Maine Veterans Project, Linda Smith, donated a vehicle to a woman veteran in need of transportation. As it turned out, the Maine Veterans Project was able to also assist Linda whose husband was a World War II veteran. Black Bear Medical in Bangor provided her with a power recliner chair to help her stand up. For more information about the Maine Veterans Project, visit their website at: www.maineveteransproject.org.