Ethan Rhodes
During a government shutdown, VA hospitals should continue to run normally or close to normal. In 2009, Congress passed a law to fund the VA a year in advance, allowing VA healthcare to plan ahead and ensuring funding for an additional year beyond a government shutdown. Most VA operations continue without interruption during a shutdown, with 96% of VA employees either fully funded or continuing to perform excepted functions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| VA Hospitals | Should be running normally, or close to normal |
| VA Health Care | Protected |
| VA Medical Centres, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centres | Open |
| VA Benefits | Will continue to be processed and delivered |
| Burials | Will continue at VA national cemeteries |
| Applications | For headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue |
| Board of Veterans' Appeals | Will continue decisions on Veterans' cases |
| VA Contact Centres | Open 24/7 |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Open 24/7 |
| VA Veteran career counselling | Will not be provided |
| Transition assistance program activities | Will not be provided |
| GI Bill Hotline | Closed |
| VA Insurance | Still available |
| Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance | Issues new policies, collects premiums, services insurance policies, and pays out claims |
| VA employees | 96% will be fully funded or continue to perform excepted functions |
| Furloughed and excepted employees | Will receive retroactive pay for the furlough period as soon as possible after the lapse ends |
Explore related products
$7.99 $18.99
What You'll Learn
VA hospitals remain open during a government shutdown
During a government shutdown, certain VA programs and services may be impacted. For example, veteran career counselling and transition assistance programs may be suspended. Additionally, there may be delays in claims processing and payments for compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation programs if the shutdown is prolonged. However, the VA encourages veterans and their families to continue using VA services and treatments during a shutdown, as many essential services remain available.
The VA also recognises that government shutdowns can coincide with high-demand months for certain benefits, such as the GI Bill and other education benefits. During the federal government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, the VA had over 1,100 employees processing GI Bill benefits. Veterans experiencing financial hardships due to furloughs or delayed payments can seek assistance by calling dedicated helplines.
While VA hospitals remain operational, there may be some disruptions or reduced staffing levels during a government shutdown. The majority of VA employees are considered "excepted" and will continue to work and receive funding through advance appropriations. However, a small percentage of employees may be furloughed once carry-over funds are depleted. The VA prepares contingency plans to manage the impact of a shutdown and ensure the continuity of critical services for veterans.
In summary, VA hospitals make every effort to maintain their operations during a government shutdown. Veterans can continue to access healthcare, benefits, and other essential services, although there may be some delays or disruptions in specific areas. The VA provides updates and resources to help veterans navigate any changes or challenges that may arise during a shutdown.
War Heroes' Behavioral Health: Pueblo's Haven
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Veterans can access their health care and benefits
Veterans can rest assured that they will still be able to access their healthcare and benefits even in the event of a government shutdown. The US Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has stated that most VA operations will continue without interruption. This includes health care, which is protected by a law passed by Congress in 2009 that funds the VA one year in advance. As such, VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open.
The VA also continues to process and deliver benefits during a shutdown, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Burials will also continue at VA national cemeteries, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will be processed. The Board of Veterans' Appeals will also continue to make decisions on cases.
In addition, the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance remains operational, issuing new policies, collecting premiums, servicing policies, and paying out claims. However, it is important to note that there is no automatic financial relief offered on VA loans, medical care co-pays, or other expenses during a shutdown. Veterans facing financial hardship due to a shutdown are advised to contact the VA and their creditors to discuss possible arrangements and relief options.
While the VA encourages veterans and their families to continue using VA services during a shutdown, it is recommended that they reach out to credit unions and military-friendly banks to explore stopgap measures and limit any damage to long-term financial plans. The VA also provides a list of points of contact for assistance during a shutdown, recognizing that certain months may see a higher demand for benefits.
Ultrasound Availability at UMass Clinton Hospital
You may want to see also
Explore related products
VA employees continue to work and receive pay
During a government shutdown, VA hospitals should continue to run as normal, or close to normal. In 2009, Congress passed a law to fund the VA a year in advance, allowing VA healthcare to plan ahead and ensuring funding for an additional year beyond a government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs has stated that 96% of VA employees would be fully funded or continue to perform excepted functions during a shutdown. Out of a total of 458,579 VA employees, 403,159 are VHA employees funded by advance or multi-year appropriations. The remaining employees are considered "excepted". The total number of employees projected to continue reporting to work is 440,740. The 17,839 employees who are not excepted will continue to work until carry-over funds are depleted and will then be furloughed.
Furloughed and excepted employees will receive retroactive pay for the furlough period as soon as possible after the lapse ends. Most VA operations will continue without interruption if there is a shutdown. Healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and mandatory benefit payments to veterans are funded through advance appropriations. Certain programs meet legal requirements to continue performing their designated duties and are considered "excepted". These include benefits processing and payments in compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs urges veterans and family members to continue using VA services and treatment while any federal budget crisis is being addressed. During a shutdown, veterans who struggle to make required co-pays for healthcare can contact the VA for assistance.
Tourism's Impact on Hospitality: A Complex Relationship
You may want to see also
Explore related products
GI Bill hotline and other services may be closed
During a government shutdown, veterans will still be able to access their healthcare, benefits, and memorial services from the VA. This includes access to VA Medical Centres, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centres. However, the GI Bill hotline and other services may be closed.
The GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) will be closed during a government shutdown. This hotline provides assistance with GI Bill benefits, which include education benefits. If you have detailed questions about your GI Bill benefits, you may need to wait until after the shutdown for full assistance. The National Cemetery Applicant Assistance Hotline (1-800-697-6947) will also be unavailable during a shutdown.
While the GI Bill hotline will be closed, veterans can still access general information and resources through the VA's primary hotline, 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411). This hotline will remain operational 24/7 during a shutdown. Additionally, the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will also be open 24/7.
It's important to note that most VA operations will continue without interruption during a shutdown. This includes healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and mandatory benefit payments to veterans, which are funded through advance appropriations. Certain programs, such as benefits processing, are considered "excepted" and will continue to operate. The Board of Veterans' Appeals will also continue its work, reviewing and deciding on veterans' cases without delay.
While the GI Bill hotline and other educational services may be closed, critical VA benefits and services will remain unaffected by a government shutdown. This includes VA disability compensation, pension payments, and burials at national cemeteries.
Methodist Hospital: Psych Ward Availability and Services
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Veterans can seek financial assistance
During a government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remains committed to delivering uninterrupted healthcare and benefits to veterans. VA Medical Centres, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centres will remain open, ensuring veterans can continue accessing essential medical services.
In preparation for potential funding lapses, the VA has developed a comprehensive contingency plan. This plan ensures that most VA operations continue without interruption. Notably, 96% of VA employees are projected to be fully funded or perform excepted functions during a shutdown. This means that 440,740 out of 458,579 employees will continue their work, with the remaining 17,839 employees working until carry-over funds are depleted before being furloughed.
Veterans can rest assured that their benefits will not be affected by a government shutdown. This includes the uninterrupted processing and delivery of compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Additionally, burials at VA national cemeteries, applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue as usual.
The VA Contact Centres (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remain open 24/7 to provide support and assistance. While the VA will not provide veteran career counselling or transition assistance program activities, veterans can still seek financial assistance through the VA's 44 financial assistance programs, which include grants, loans, and other initiatives. These programs will continue without interruption, ensuring that veterans have access to the financial support they need.
In summary, despite the challenges posed by a government shutdown, the VA is dedicated to upholding its responsibilities to veterans. Veterans can expect continued access to healthcare, benefits, and financial assistance programs, minimising the impact of any funding lapses on those who have served our country.
Rehab Requirements: Hospital Stay or Outpatient?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, VA hospitals remain open during a government shutdown.
Yes, veterans will still be able to access their health care. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
Yes, VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Most VA employees will continue to work during a shutdown. The Department’s projection is that 96% of VA employees would be fully funded or continue to perform excepted functions.
The VA suggests that veterans and their families reach out to credit unions and military-friendly banks to explore possible stopgap measures. Veterans can also contact the VA for assistance with healthcare co-pays and other financial issues.
