Newsbytes November 15, 2024
In this issue:
New FRA Leadership Elected at National Convention
VA Secretary and Others Speak at FRA National Convention
VA Plans for New Medical Centers Stall
VA proposes to Remove Copays for Telehealth, and Expand Access
New FRA Leadership Elected at National Convention
The 96th annual FRA National Convention this week recognized and celebrated the 100th birthday of the Fleet Reserve Association. During the 96th annual FRA National Convention held in Annapolis Maryland, the delegates elected National Vice President PRPSE Maria Behm (Branch 32) to the position of National President. Further, PRPWC Rick Fetro was elected National Vice President.
The new Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents include:
REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST/NEW ENGLAND- Raymond S Rizzo
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT NORTHEAST/NEW ENG.- Kimberly Yoder-Notaro
REGIONAL PRESIDENT EAST COAST- Robert Oliveira
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT EAST COAST- Valorie R Toulette
REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHEAST- Jerry Anger
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHEAST- Ryan S. Adkins, Sr.
REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTH CENTRAL- Brian J. Jones
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT NORTH CENTRAL-David E. Herndon
REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTH CENTRAL- Bruce R Talbot Jr.
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT SOUTH CENTRAL- Emmett H Smith
REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHWEST- Edgardo M. Labao
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHWEST- Bryan D. Ginter
REGIONAL PRESIDENT WEST COAST- Joseph R. Huffman, II
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT WEST COAST- Robert L. Porter
REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHWEST-Robert S. Bean
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT NORTHWEST- Daniel L. Brossard
Shipmate Marty Posekany (Branch 14) was appointed National Parliamentarian and Shipmate Gabriel Falu (Branch 99) was appointed National Chaplain. Following the election, the delegates installed new officers. The above-mentioned Shipmates will serve until the next National Convention.
VA Secretary and Others Speak at FRA National Convention
At the FRA National Convention in Annapolis Maryland delegates heard from the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. The Secretary gave the association an update on the implementation of the Pact Act and VA budget shortfalls. The Superintendent of the Naval Academy Yvette Davids spoke about the history of the Naval Academy and recent improvements such as cyber warfare training. She also discussed professional development for Midshipmen such as mental health counseling and an expanded circular. The Master Chief Petty of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea discussed his 37-year career in the Navy and recruiting challenges for the Navy. Author and former Marine combat veteran Andrew Biggio discussed his Emmy winning books “the Rifle” Volume I and II.
VA Plans for New Medical Centers Stall
The Military Times is reporting that 15 new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers have been delayed for more than two years. nearly $670 million set aside appropriated by Congress for 15 specific projects was not enough to pay for the planned spaces, according to preliminary bids. And since getting that news, officials for months have been unable to move ahead with the process for getting new bids on the projects, largely due to behind-the-scenes concerns over pricing guidelines. The stalled projects are in 12 different states, including two in Texas and three in Florida. Fourteen are potential new outpatient clinics, while one in Tampa, Fla., is a planned community living center.
Since June 2023, one lease has been awarded and 15 more are in the final steps of being approved, according to the VA. VA press secretary Terrence Hayes acknowledged that “for the remaining 15 leases, VA has received offers that exceeded authorized funding levels, which VA cannot accept under law.” That means officials will have to rework and resubmit those proposals to lawmakers with new parameters and cost guidelines before moving ahead. Congressional committees will have to grant final approval on any substantial changes before they can proceed.
VA proposes to Remove Copays for Telehealth, and Expand Access
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to eliminate copayments for all VA telehealth services and establish a grant program to fund designated VA telehealth access points in non-VA facilities, with a focus on rural and medically underserved communities. These changes would be made by regulation.
The proposed grant program, called Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS), would provide funding to organizations – including nonprofits and private businesses – to offer Veterans comfortable, private spaces equipped with high-speed internet access and the technology to meet with VA providers remotely. Grants would also provide designated funding to train on-site personnel to support the program.
“Waiving copays for telehealth services and launching this grant program are both major steps forward in ensuring Veterans can access health care where and when they need it,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough “VA is the best and most affordable care in America for Veterans – and with these steps, we can make it easier for Veterans to access their earned VA health care.”
The rulemaking can be viewed in the Federal Register under public inspection tomorrow, and will be published and open for comment beginning Wednesday (findable by searching for the rule on VA’s Federal Register webpage). VA anticipates a notice of funding opportunity for this grant program to be published following publication of the final rule.
For more information about VA telehealth, visit the VA Telehealth Services website.