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For and about Hawaii's military
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$517 million in insurance
dividends is no VA hoaxQuestion: Recently, I heard that the VA is paying more than $500 million in insurance dividends. I thought stories about these dividends were a hoax.
Answer: The VA next year plans to distribute $517 million in insurance dividends to 1.5 million veterans who served between 1917 and 1956. Recipients paid premiums for many years. Veterans will receive payments on the anniversary date of their policies, with the specific dividend amount varying according to age, type of insurance and length of time the policy has been in force. Veterans will automatically receive their annual dividend through one of the nine payment options. Veterans who were discharged after 1956 are covered by VA term insurance programs that do not pay dividends.
A long-standing hoax alleges that Congress passed a law giving dividends to veterans who did not keep up their premium after leaving the military or who first served after 1956. Sometimes veterans are asked to pay fees to see if they qualify for a dividend. The VA requires no fees. Information can be found at www.insurance.va.gov or by calling 1-800-669-8477.
Q: Assuming I qualify for nursing-home care, how is it determined if care will be provided in a VA facility or a private nursing home at VA expense?
A: Generally, if you qualify for indefinite nursing-home care, it will be furnished in a VA facility. Care may be provided in a private facility under VA contract when there is compelling medical or social need. If you do not qualify for indefinite care, you may be placed in a community nursing home -- generally not to exceed six months -- following an episode of VA care. The purpose of this short-term placement is to provide assistance to you and your family while alternative, long-term arrangements are explored. For more information, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.
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.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.