Rural Health
News by Topic: Veterans
VA: VA Health Professional Scholarship Program
Federal Register
Jun 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposing amending its regulations governing the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Changes include implementing the mandates of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which expands the number of scholarships available to those who are pursuing degrees or training in mental health programs. This rule is effective July 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 11, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Northern Arizona VA to reach and provide care for veterans in rural northern Arizona and the Navajo Nation. Describes the deployment of a mobile medical clinic at recent community events as a promising strategy for making healthcare services more accessible to rural veterans.
Source: Arizona Daily Sun
Jun 11, 2024 - Describes the use of virtual reality tools in telehealth to accommodate rural veterans, among others, in pain management.
Source: VA News
VA: Notice of Intent To Exempt Copayments for the First Three Mental Health Care Outpatient Visits Annually
Federal Register
May 30, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcing its intent to implement Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, which prohibits the collection of copayments for the first three mental health care outpatient visits of a Veteran in a calendar year for which the Veteran would otherwise be required to pay a copayment. The copayment exemption for the first three outpatient mental health care visits includes appointments completed in VA clinics as well as those conducted by community care providers. The implementation of the copayment exemption will be applicable upon the publication of modifications to the VA regulations to comply with this law.
Source: Federal Register
May 28, 2024 - Highlights the role of volunteer drivers in assisting rural veterans with transportation to medical appointments. Outlines process for individuals to become volunteer drivers and notes current need for more volunteers in rural Montana.
Source: Public News Service