Free Emergency Health Care for Veterans

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.

This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.

Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority and a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration. This effort is a key part of VA’s 10-year National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the Biden-Harris administration’s plan for Reducing Military and Veteran Suicide. In September, VA released the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which showed that Veteran suicides decreased in 2020 for the second year in a row, and that fewer Veterans died by suicide in 2020 than in any year since 2006.

“Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the free, world-class emergency health care they deserve – no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care,” said VA Secretary for Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “This expansion of care will save Veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.” 

VA has submitted an interim final rule to the federal register to establish this authority under section 201 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020. The final policy, which takes effect on Jan. 17, will allow VA to:

• Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
• Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
• Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
• Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

Veterans and Family

Indoor Expo

Veterans Outreach in Berwick

Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Berwick Town Hall, 11 Sullivan Street, Gerard A. Dubois, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will conduct a special presentation highlighting the wide-range of services available to Maine veterans.

As a VSO and veteran himself, Mr. Dubois, fully understands the issues and challenges veterans face after the completion of their service. From enrolling with the VA healthcare system, filing a claim, obtaining educational benefits, and more, Maine’s VSO’s help our States veterans access their earned benefits. Each month, Maine VSO’s submit hundreds of claims and are successful in awarding deserved benefits for our veterans and their families.  

Even if you feel that you do not “need” VA services or did not serve “enough” to warrant the benefits, we'd like to meet with you to discuss your eligibility for these benefits that you've earned through your service; even if you choose not to access them. You may also be eligible for a free park pass or a hunting or fishing license, another free benefit obtained through the services of a VSO. If so, you should plan to attend this free and informative presentation. 

Additionally, Ms. Lea Macheras will give a presentation on the Northeast Passage organization, whose mission is to empower people living with disabling conditions, both visible and invisible, to define, pursue and achieve their therapeutic and adaptive sports goals.

Hosted by Charles S. Hatch American Legion Post #79. We welcome any veteran to attend these free and informative presentations (you do not need to be a member to attend). FMI: https://berwickmelegionpost79.org/

Maine Veterans' Dental Network Pilots Mobile Dental Clinic in Machias

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is pleased to announce the addition of Mainely Teeth to the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) as part of the Bureau’s effort to provide expanded dental services across the state. 

Beginning in Machias on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd the Mainely Teeth mobile dental unit will offer a three-day clinic at the Machias Veterans’ Home located at 32 Veterans Way. Veterans residing at the Maine Veterans’ Home will receive care on the 20th followed by two days of services by appointment only, with only 12 appointment slots available veterans in surrounding communities are encouraged to register early. The mobile dental unit will return in April and June to provide follow-up care for those veterans who require additional services.

The MVDN was founded in 2020 and is sponsored by a generous Northeast Delta Dental grant and the program is run on a first come, first serve basis until the grant funding is depleted.

To qualify for the MVDN, the veteran must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Maine resident.
• Not 100% service-connected to the VA (meaning they don’t already receive dental care through Togus or the Bangor or Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinics) or meet a very specific criteria determined by the VA that makes veterans eligible to receive dental care, e.g., former P.O.W., currently enrolled in a homeless veterans’ program, etc.
• Cannot afford to pay for dental care out of pocket.
• Does not have dental insurance. (Please do not request connection to this program if you are not satisfied with the level of coverage your dental insurance provides).
• Must submit a DD-214 that shows an Honorable or General Under Honorable conditions discharge.
• For National Guard Only – Served on Active Duty (other than for training).
  
  Dental services provided include preventative, diagnostic, restorative, oral surgery, and major restorative. The grant does not cover the following services: dental implants, orthodontics, fixed bridges, telehealth, and PPE charges. 
  
  After a preliminary examination and cleaning, the dentist will discuss a dental plan and associated cost with the veteran in advance to see if they want to pursue further treatment. If the dental care exceeds the scope of the grant, the veteran is financially responsible for the remainder of the bill if they decide to follow the recommended dental plan. 
  
  Veterans can pre-register for this event by using the MVDN online application - https://tinyurl.com/4hmwfxxm, by emailing the Bureau at MVDN.mainebvs@maine.gov or calling 207-287-6836.

Make a Difference

This time of year can be difficult for many of us. Now is as important as ever to conduct a check on a veteran you know who may be struggling; a phone call from a friendly voice could make all the difference.

The Veterans Crisis Line is always a 24/7 option for anyone who needs to speak or text with trained responders immediately. 

To connect with the Crisis Line veterans, their loved ones, & friends, can:

• CALL 988 & Press 1
• TEXT 838255
• CLICK http://ow.ly/QGGK50MbJiH

Upcoming Events: 

Every Wednesday: Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST), weekly activities 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 25 Campus Drive, New Gloucester. 

First Saturday of each month: Coffee and snacks for veterans at the Darkhorse Ranch, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 61 Lower Guinea Rd., Lebanon, ME. 

February 2: Veterans Claims Clinic 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Beatrice Rafferty School - Representatives from Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, and Veterans Affairs will be on site to help file claims or answer any questions. For more information contact Darren Ripley at dripley@wabanakiphw.org or (207)949-6142

February 3: Veterans Claims Clinic 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Indian Township Tribal Office - Representatives from Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, and Veterans Affairs will be on site to help file claims or answer any questions. For more information contact Darren Ripley at dripley@wabanakiphw.org or (207)949-6142

February 10: (3rd Annual Legion Luge Event) Spaghetti Dinner, 5:00 p.m. at American Legion Post #1 (335 Limerock Street, Rockland $10

February 11: (3rd Annual Legion Luge Event) Camden Snow Bowl, 8:00 a.m. registration, 20 Barnestown Road, Camden

February 11: Annual Fish Fry Dinner, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Portland Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 (687 Forest Ave, Portland) - Dinner includes half pound fish, french fries, coleslaw, fish chowder, rolls and butter, coffee and dessert. $17. Reserve your tickets no later than February 8th. For more information contact 207-773-8745 or commander6859@gmail.com 

February 18: Veterans Resource Fair, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Corey E. Garver American Legion Post 202, 79 Foreside Rd., Topsham, ME -- Learn about programs and benefits for Veterans and their dependents. Federal, State, and local agencies, resources, and veteran opportunities onsite for our veterans to connect with. Contact: nanslaf@gmail.com 

February 18: Winter Softball Classic, 8:00 a.m., 527 Main Street, Damariscotta -- Wells-Hussy Legion Post #42, Registration: Min. donation $200 per team. -- All proceeds to benefit OMK: Our Military Kids -- For more information contact 207-563-3738 or legionpost42@outlook.com 

February 25th: Veterans and Family Indoor Expo, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Anah Shriners, 1404 Broadway, Bangor. A family friendly event for veterans to learn about the PACT Act and other benefits and resources available through the state and community. Stop in to see the: Veterans Benefits Administration, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, CDC - Suicide Prevention, Department of Labor - Career Center, Disabled American Veterans, Hope for Healing, House in the Woods, Maine Veterans Project, Vet Center, Travis Mills Foundation, Vet2Vet, Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, and more!