For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
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Co-pay burden can ease in time of need
Question: I recently became unemployed and find myself unable to pay the Department of Veterans Affairs co-pays. Can I still receive VA health care?
Answer: Yes. To apply for a hardship determination, consult with the enrollment coordinators on the second floor of the VA Medical Center. Hardship determinations apply only to future co-pay responsibility. For co-pay debt that has already been established, you may apply for a waiver by contacting the enrollment coordinators on the second floor as well. You can also call 433-0600 for additional information on obtaining a hardship determination.
Q: What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
A: Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service to their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military -- in wartime or peacetime. The VA launched the Veterans' Pride initiative last year to rally America's veterans and their survivors around the cause of expressing patriotism and pride in past military service, and encourages all veterans to join in wearing their medals or miniature replicas on Veterans Day and other national holidays. The VA Medical Center veterans are holding a Veterans Day program honoring all veterans and in particular the 276 Hawaii veterans inscribed on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the first-floor lobby.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.