tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

Pact Act

All articles tagged with #pact act

government1 year ago

VA Secretary Faces Backlash Over Improper Executive Bonuses, Rejects Resignation Calls

VA Secretary Denis McDonough admitted to "massive mistakes" in awarding nearly $11 million in improper bonuses to ineligible executives, as revealed by a VA inspector general report. McDonough has recouped 92% of the bonuses and implemented new procedures to prevent future errors. Despite calls for firings, McDonough defended his team, taking personal responsibility for the oversight. The VA continues to justify bonuses for field executives as necessary retention incentives.

via Federal News Network|
#bonuses#denis-mcdonough#government
health-care-eligibility-expansion1 year ago

"2024 PACT Act Expands VA Health Care Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Toxins"

The PACT Act of 2024 expands health care eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxins or hazards while serving, allowing them to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. This includes Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, as well as those who were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States. VA has provided a toolkit for stakeholders to share information about the expansion, emphasizing the importance of applying for care, as VA health care is proven to be the best and most affordable for Veterans.

via VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs|
#eligibility-expansion#health-care-eligibility-expansion#pact-act
health1 year ago

"VA Health Care Expansion: Millions of Veterans Eligible for Direct Enrollment"

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that starting in March, veterans exposed to toxins and hazards during their military service can directly enroll in VA health care without needing to apply for other benefits first, marking one of the largest expansions of veteran health care. This expansion, made possible by the PACT Act signed into law in August 2022, aims to provide access to health care for millions of eligible veterans, including those who were never deployed but faced toxins while training or on active duty in the United States.

via NewsNation Now|
#health#health-care#pact-act
health-care1 year ago

"Expanded VA Health Care Coverage for Veterans Exposed to Environmental Hazards"

Millions of U.S. veterans will become eligible for VA health care starting March 5 under an accelerated effort to provide benefits and services to those exposed to toxic substances while serving. This expansion, mandated by the PACT Act, includes veterans who served in combat zones since the Vietnam War and those exposed to hazardous materials during training or operations. The VA aims to enroll these veterans in health care earlier than the 2032 deadline set by the law, providing access to toxic exposure screenings and specialty care if needed. The department is also increasing its workforce to meet the anticipated demand for services.

via Military.com|
#hazardous-materials#health-care#pact-act
politics2 years ago

"Alarming Number of Veterans Found with Potential Toxic Exposures: Study"

The Department of Veterans Affairs has screened 5 million veterans for potential toxic exposures since the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, with 2.1 million veterans self-reporting at least one potential exposure. The screenings are part of the VA's efforts to expand healthcare coverage for veterans and identify related medical issues. The PACT Act takes a "presumptive" approach, linking certain chronic conditions to burn pit exposure and reducing the burden of proof for veterans. The most commonly reported exposures are to Agent Orange and burn pits.

via CBS News|
#department-of-veterans-affairs#health-care#pact-act
politics2 years ago

"Biden Honors Veterans Amidst Global Conflicts, Faces Criticism for Wreath-Laying Incident"

President Joe Biden commemorated Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, addressing current and former servicemembers. While not explicitly mentioning the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Biden emphasized the role of American veterans in upholding liberty. He highlighted the PACT Act, which expands healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals, and shared personal reflections on his late son, Beau Biden, who served in Iraq. Biden called on everyone to keep the light of liberty burning and reflect on their responsibilities to preserve it.

via POLITICO|
#gaza#joe-biden#pact-act
politics2 years ago

Joe Manchin's Retirement Announcement Shakes Up Washington

President Joe Biden praises Senator Joe Manchin for his dedication to serving the people of West Virginia and their collaborative efforts in passing various legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the PACT Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and significant gun safety legislation. Biden also commends Manchin for his vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court and expresses his eagerness to continue working together.

via The White House|
#bipartisan-infrastructure-law#gun-safety-legislation#joe-manchin
politics2 years ago

Biden's Visit to Utah Highlights Veterans Health Care and Political Divide

Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox is set to join President Joe Biden in promoting veterans health care at an event in Salt Lake City. The event will mark one year since the enactment of the PACT Act, a bipartisan measure expanding eligibility for veterans health care to servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals. This rare appearance featuring Biden and a Republican governor highlights the president's legislative initiatives and his commitment to bipartisanship. Cox, who chairs the National Governors Association, has launched an initiative to promote civil political discourse. While Cox has expressed disagreements with the Biden administration on certain issues, he will be speaking alongside the president to support veterans' healthcare expansion.

via NBC News|
#bipartisanship#governor-spencer-cox#pact-act
veterans-affairs2 years ago

"Landmark Law Marks Anniversary: Veterans Reap Historic Benefits for Toxic Exposure"

As the first anniversary of the PACT Act approaches, which expanded veterans assistance, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working to enroll as many veterans as possible for benefits related to toxic exposure. The law allows certain cancers and ailments to be presumed connected to burn pits and Agent Orange. The VA has received nearly 786,000 disability claims, processed almost 435,000, and approved over 348,000. However, the backlog is expected to grow to 450,000 in October and 730,000 in April. Despite challenges, the VA has been conducting outreach efforts and using new technology to process claims faster.

via POLITICO|
#benefits#burn-pits#pact-act
veterans-affairs2 years ago

"Landmark Law Marks Anniversary: Veterans Reap Historic Benefits for Toxic Exposure"

As the first anniversary of the PACT Act approaches, which expanded veterans assistance for toxic exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working to enroll as many veterans as possible. The law allows certain cancers and ailments to be presumed connected to burn pits in Afghanistan and Agent Orange in Vietnam. The VA has received nearly 786,000 disability claims, processed almost 435,000, and approved over 348,000. However, the backlog is expected to grow to 450,000 in October and 730,000 in April. Despite challenges, the VA has spent $7.5 million on advertising and hosted events to raise awareness. The law's anniversary will be marked by President Biden at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City.

via The Associated Press|
#burn-pits#pact-act#toxic-exposure
veterans-affairs2 years ago

Mistrust and Awareness Hinder VA Benefits Claims, Says Secretary.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has warned that mistrust or misunderstanding of federal assistance programs may be preventing veterans from receiving tens of millions of dollars in benefits. Only 10% of individuals potentially eligible for new benefits under toxic exposure legislation approved last year have filed claims. McDonough hopes to see that number increase significantly in coming months, but acknowledges that there is a general lack of trust in the VA. The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act provides for presumptive benefit status for 12 types of cancer and 12 other respiratory illnesses linked to burn pit exposure in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq.

via Military Times|
#benefits-claims#denis-mcdonough#pact-act