It was announced that the agency has published final rules about the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act. The HEART Act changes the way the agency treats certain cash payments to members of the uniformed services and veterans under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which will aid some to continue receiving government disability benefits and others to receive a higher benefit amount. The law allows members of our armed forces, veterans, and their families to keep more of their military-related payments while maintaining eligibility for cash and healthcare benefits.
It
will must provide support and assistance to our active duty military and our
wounded warriors, and this Act will improve our ability to do so. Aged, blind
or disabled individuals who have limited income and resources can qualify for
monthly SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration and Medicaid from
the States. Generally, if other income goes up, the SSI payment will go down.
Income and resources are major factors used in deciding SSI eligibility and
SSI payment amount. The HEART Act treats most cash military compensation as
earned income for SSI purposes, which generally provides a higher benefit to
the service member as a result of the SSI program's more favorable consideration
of earned income. It excludes certain State annuity payments to disabled, blind
or aged veterans from countable income and resources used to determine SSI eligibility,
and excludes any cash or in-kind payments provided by AmeriCorps State and National
and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps from countable income.
From 9/13 through 9/15 I spent some enlightening days in Washington, D.C. attending
the GRD Meeting and speaking with several Congresspersons and their associates.
We presented National PVA’s Point Papers. Specifically, we spoke on FY2011
VA Budget and Inappropriate Funding. We thanked them for their continued support
with funding for veterans and the increase in the new budget. We requested they
concur with the $122M the Senate added for VA Major and Minor construction.
And, we asked for its immediate signing when it reaches Congress.
We explained the issues service connected veterans have with being billed for
care for secondary and other conditions resulting from their original permanent
and total rating. We recommended the VA find ways to stop this inappropriate
billing immediately. Also, with the passing of P.L. 111-163, catastrophically
disabled vets no longer incur costs for their healthcare (including pharmacy,
durable medical equipment and supplies).
We
thanked all the Congresspersons for their continuing oversight of the Orlando
VAMC and for the Viera VA ALF.
We
had a discussion about the Light Rail System and informed them of a meeting
on Oct 13th at the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, we encouraged attendance.
We’ll be there and hope to see some congresspersons or their staff. We
requested the support of the entire FL delegation on this transportation alternative.
Especially since the process will improve veterans’ access to the Orlando
VAMC.
We
specifically spoke to Congresswoman Brown and Stearns on the current Jacksonville
VA Outpatient Clinic (OPC) situation. We requested that they contact the VA,
each other’s offices, and also the offices of Congressman Mica to investigate
the VA’s plan to replace the current 180,000 sq. ft. facility with a 330,000
sq. ft. clinic. We explained we are planning a meeting with the local VSOs (i.e.,
DAV, American Legion, VFW, etc.) to transfer the oversight of this initiative
to a local veterans organization. They can determine the best size and location
for a new VA OPC.
We are also seeking the support of the entire FL delegation for the transportation
issue. Specifically because the process will increase access to the Orlando
VAMC.
We
discussed the new Palatka CBOC and the accessible bus, designed and produced
by their community. We suggested they contact the North Florida / South Georgia
Health System to share this so it would receive some consideration in their
(VA) rural outreach initiative. We will provide the correct VA contact information.
We informed them we met some weeks ago with Dr. Murphy, Chief Medical Officer,
for the Palatka CBOC and discussed providing specialized services there. The
bus would improve access if this program comes to fruition.
Mike Sprouse
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