At the February meeting of the Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee (MVCC) a number of issues were discussed. 

VHA Director Trayce Davis reported that her initial proposal to establish a residential rehab treatment center in Maine was denied but she is resubmitting a proposal for a 12-14 bed that will focus on using existing facilities. Director Davis has a background in mental health and has the establishment of a residential facility in Maine a priority. 

Many veterans in the VA healthcare system will remember the “Choice” program where the VA contracted a 3rd party (HealthNet Inc) to administer it. Choice rolled out as a temporary program that addressed the difficulty in getting timely appointments with the VA. The Mission Act that was approved last year replaces the Choice Program and initially it was suppose to bring “in-house” the management of using VA funded community care providers. That has not happened. The VA has funded Optum to manage the community care program.  There have been a number of problems with the new system. For example, the Mission Act allows veterans to use Urgent Care facilities when necessary. Three visits per year are allowed free but if more visits happen during the year, there would be a $35 charge. The problem is, the Urgent Care facilities have to have a contract with the VA. The closest Urgent Care facility for us in the Boothbay peninsula is in Brunswick.  Lincoln County Health has thus far not received a contract from the VA.  I just learned that Mid-Coast Medical Center has also not yet signed the contract. That means the VA can’t refer veterans to Mid-Coast (except in the case of an emergency). The VA Community Care coordinator is aware of this situation but Optum has contract responsibility.

Billing is another problem with the Community Care program.  Veterans are getting medical bills that should have been sent to the VA. If you receive a bill that should have gone to the VA, DON’T PAY it, but contract Corey Vail at the VA 207-623-8411, ext 6669 - or me.  

If you file a claim for a service-connected disability, your medical situation will be evaluated by a contracted practitioner.  The medical staff at the VA just don’t have the time to do these assessments.  If you made your claim through the American Legion office at Togus, and have a bad experience with an exam, you should contact the American Legion office immediately.  If you filed directly with the VA, then inform VA service officer located in building 248. It is critical that inform them immediately after your exam/assessment. 

Hopefully everyone has seen the May 21 Veteran Lobster Boat Ride fliers!  We are starting to get many reservations from all over the State. Make yours soon! 

Our next meeting is Monday, March 9. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6.