Veteran's Beat
by Ron Seman
Correspondent
The health care network operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs has been named as one of the best employers this year for workers over 50 by the American Association of Retired Persons.
"Quality care is what drives VA and is our primary mission," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA is proud to be recognized as a top employer for the most experienced employees."
AARP's annual awards program recognizes companies and organizations with the best policies for an aging labor force.
VA's health care system -- the Veterans Health Administration -- has more than 251,000 people in a wide array of clinical and administrative professions, including some of the most demanding medical specialties. Nearly half of VHA employees are over the age of 50.
"Quality care is what drives VHA and its mission," said Dr. Gerald Cross, acting undersecretary for health. "In today's health care industry, this is very appealing to employees who want to give the best care possible to each life they touch."
VA's health care system includes 153 medical centers, with at least one in each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. VA also operates 942 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics, 134 nursing homes, 50 residential rehabilitation treatment programs, 232 veterans centers and 108 comprehensive home-care programs. VA health care facilities provide a broad spectrum of medical, surgical and rehabilitative care.
Recipients of the AARP "Best Employers for Workers Over 50" designation are selected for their policies and practices in meeting the needs of an aging workforce. Key areas of consideration include recruiting practices; opportunities for training; education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement, employee health and pension benefits, and age diversity of the workforce.
To learn more about VA career opportunities, visit www.vacareers.va.gov.
Where do we stand?
Key House leaders have agreed to offer an amendment that will put to rest any concerns that VA health care will change under the nation's health care reform debate, according to the VFW Washington Weekly on Sept. 25.
Veterans of Foreign Wars has been in talks with House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) and ranking member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) on this important issue to veterans. The amendment being offered will ensure that veterans enrolled in VA are automatically deemed as having qualified health care coverage, and also allow veterans using VA health care to purchase other types of insurance through the health insurance exchanges. Our friends at the VFW will continue to monitor health care reform legislation in the House and Senate.
On Sept. 22, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review VA's national formulary and the management of the pharmacy program. In fiscal year 2008, VA spent $3.7 billion on approximately 126 million prescriptions dispensed at VHA facilities through their consolidated mail outpatient pharmacies. Representatives from the VA Inspector General's office testified on their report of recent audits of VA pharmacy inventory, which looked at administrative management of non-controlled drugs. Non-controlled drugs are 95 percent of VA's pharmaceutical spending. Other issues discussed included pharmacy benefits and VA's restrictive formulary, when compared to Medicare and Department of Defense's Tricare listings.
Unit award authorization
database developed
Many war veterans are not aware of possible awards granted to their units because unit awards generally take a year or more to be authorized. The American War Library has been tasked to compile and provide listings of unit awards, as well as unit and vessel rosters, of all service branches dating back to the Revolutionary War. Many unit award authorizations are currently available. More award listings will be added in the near future. Archive copies of unit award certificates are also being added and available for free download. Access War Library software: at www.amervets.com/library.htm. For more information, contact Roger Simpson in the public information office of the American War Library at 310-532-0634.
Events coming up
The American Legion Village Park Lodge Mantua Post 193 will sponsor a "soup supper" Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children.
American Legion Firestone Memorial Post 449 will sponsor a steak fry Oct. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost us $10.
Most veterans organizations and auxiliaries are currently accepting dues for the new term. Give them a hand by mailing your check today.
The Auxiliary of Twinsburg VFW Post 4929 will meet Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Call Ellie Csontos for more information at 330-963-0338.
Send information about post and auxiliary activities to Ron Seman, 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma, OH 44129, or SemanRJ@aol.com. Thanks!
Remember our men and women serving America in Iraq, Afghanistan and at other posts around the globe. Write a letter, send them a package of goodies, and tell them that you support them and their mission. Thanks.