Page 8 - 52154_NERA_flip

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Credit: Architect of the Capitol Legislative and Benefit Updates

Summer Mariner 2019

By Michael P. Hughes, OSC, USNR (ret.)

Agent Orange — Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act

A January 2019 ruling as those with “boots on the ground”. The good news is
by the U.S. Court of that that VA Secretary Robert Wilkie recommended that
Appeals for the Federal the Justice Department not appeal this and that is what
Circuit by a 9-2 deci- happened. The Justice Department has announced that it
sion said that VA must will drop its appeal of this federal court decision. NERA
allow presumption for will continue to supporting current proposed legislation
those veterans serving in Congress to make this a law to prevent future changes
within the territorial to policy on this issue.
waters of Vietnam exposed to Agent Orange the same

National Guard and Reserves Retirement Pay Parity Act, H,R, 2954
This bill provides retirement benefit parity for reserve compo- of a reduction in the age below 60 at which retirement pay
nent service members deployed on 12304b orders. Currently can be received, which they would be entitled to if deployed
12304b deployed reserve members do not receive the benefit on other types of orders. NERA fully supports this legislation.

Montgomery GI Bill Parity Act, H.R.2952
This bill permits reserve component service members to This is already permitted for active duty members. NERA
offset the out-of-pocket cost when using Tuition Assistance fully endorses this legislation.
by concurrently using their Montgomery GI Bill benefits.

VA Implementing the Mission Act Requirements
VA has just started the implementation of the Mission Act non-institutional extended care services will have the
requirements on June 6, 2019. This act was enacted and option of choosing a community provider closer to
signed by the President last year. It basically revises poli- home. Specialty care drive time standard will be an
cies for VA health care services to provide better service to average of 60 minutes.
our nation's veterans. Here are a few key points to expect n Patients facing a 20 day or more wait time for primary
that were emphasized in a recent released letter from VA or mental health care, or non-institutional extended
Secretary Robert Wilkie: care services will have the option of choosing a
community provider who can deliver that care faster.
n Less red tape, more satisfaction and portability for Specialty care wait time standard will be 28 days.
patients, more efficiency for VA clinicians and better n Eligible veterans will also have access to urgent, walk-in
value for taxpayers. care that gives them the choice to receive certain ser-
n Veterans will be eligible to get community care for a vices at participating community clinics. (To access this
variety of reasons, including when a VA facility can't benefit veterans will select a provider in VA's commu-
provide the treatment they need or when care outside nity care network and may be charged a co-pay.)
the VA system is in the best interest of the patient.
n Patients facing an average drive time of 30 minutes Veterans are encouraged to ask about these new options at
or more for VA primary or mental health care, or their VA facility.

8 The Mariner • 2019 SUMMER Edition • Volume 62 • Issue 2