For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
Low-income exemptions
determined every yearQuestion: How do I apply for low-income exemption from VA prescription and doctor appointment co-payments?
Answer: The VA compares your income to the limit set by law every year. If your income level is below this limit, you are exempt from the medication co-payment. If your income level is higher than this limit, you are not exempt. Additionally, certain veterans with short-term financial hardships may be eligible for a waiver of the co-payment. To obtain information regarding a waiver or how to apply for a low-income exemption, call the VA at 433-0600.
Q: Does the government pay anything to people who help veterans unable to manage their own finances?
A: People known officially as fiduciaries manage the finances of veterans who are incapable of handling their own financial affairs. Frequently, they serve without compensation. Those who are paid withdraw their payments from the compensation or pensions given by VA to the veteran.
Court-appointed fiduciaries receive fees set by state law, commonly about 5 percent of the VA income. Attorneys acting as fiduciaries may be entitled to reimbursements -- again, drawn from VA's total payment to the veteran -- for certain activities such as reconciling accounts.
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.