Homemakers work together to benefit local veterans

Greenfield, IN (October 23, 2018) VRI — They started the day with four sewing machines and high hopes. Some 20 members of the Hancock County Extension Homemakers came together Saturday for an annual effort they call Make a Difference Day, which is dedicated to helping area veterans.

Members of the county organization, which is dedicated to strengthening families through continuing education, leadership development and community support, donated fleece blankets and scrap fleece from their own fabric stashes to make soft, warm blankets with storage pockets, which can be used for whatever items the veteran needs to keep on hand, whether it’s the TV remote or medications, said president Deb Sweet.

 This year’s event also collected nonperishable food for Thanksgiving dinners that will be distributed by the members later this year, Sweet said. Despite technical difficulties leaving the homemakers with just two working machines by the end of the day, the group still managed to complete about 50 pocketed blankets. “It’ll help them keep warm if they’re in a wheelchair,” she said. “It’s a little way for us to say thank you for their service to the community.” The group worked from 9 a.m. Saturday to about 3 p.m., and by the end, those behind the sewing machines were taking no chances, talking nicely to their machines to encourage them to cross the finish line of 50 blankets.

Homemakers members will deliver the items to the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis as well as the Indiana Veterans’ Home, Sweet said. Meanwhile, the group will continue to collect Thanksgiving side dishes until Nov. 16, she said. The members will create baskets with all the sides to make a full Thanksgiving dinner and work with veterans service officer Bob Workman to find the veterans and families in the most need and provide them with turkeys as well as sides, Sweet said. On Nov. 17, the Homemakers’ members will distribute the holiday food items at the Hancock County Food Pantry, said Brigitte Raven, the group’s chairman of volunteer community support. The Make a Difference day is one of several annual efforts the group makes to help the community, including the annual holiday bazaar slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St., where dozens of vendors offer their best handmade holiday gifts and the homemakers provide breakfast and lunch options.

Homemakers also host I CAN classes in the coming weeks at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1175 E. McKenzie Road. Classes are held Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and include “How to Feed My Family of Four for $125 a Week or Less,” on Oct. 29, with recipes demonstrated and a free cookbook with recipes for participants; “How to Make Three Meals and a Soup from a Rotisserie Chicken,” Nov. 5, with participants sampling the recipes and provided with take-home recipes; and “How to Make Homemade Bread” Nov. 12, with participants taking home a recipe, a mixing bowl and a spoon.

The classes are offered with the support of a grant from the Hancock County Community Foundation, according to a news release. All classes are free, but those who plan to attend must RSVP one week in advance to Deb Sweet at deborah.sweet8@gmail.com or Debbie Stucker at oledads@comcast.net, or call 317-861-5843. Story by: Rorye Hatcher

SOURCE: Daily Reporter

Benefits of VA health care explained

Indianapolis, IN (October 7, 2018) VRI — The Veterans Administration offers a variety of health care services. Enrollment in the VA health care system provides veterans with the promise that comprehensive health care services will be available when and where they are needed. In addition to the assurance that services will be available, enrolled veterans appreciate not having to repeat the application process, regardless of where they seek their care or how often. VA is America’s largest integrated health care system, serving more than 9 million veterans each year.

Need more reasons to enroll?

• You don’t need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.

• Medical care rated among the best in the U.S.

Immediate benefits of health care coverage. Veterans can apply for VA health care enrollment at any time.

• No enrollment fee, monthly premiums or deductibles. Most veterans have no out-of-pocket costs. Some veterans may have to pay small copayments for health care or prescription drugs.

• More than 1,200 VA medical facilities available to get your care. This means your coverage can go with you if you travel or move.

• Freedom to use other plans with your VA health care, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or private insurance.

• Enrolled veterans who are travelling or spending time away from their preferred facility can obtain care at any VA health care facility across the country without having to reapply.

• Under VA’s medical benefits package, the same medical benefits are generally available to all enrolled veterans.

VA HEALTH CARE

Quickly find out if you may be eligible for enrollment. Use the3 online VA Health Benefits Explorer at hbexplorer.vacloud.us to answer a few questions about yourself and learn about the VA health care benefits you could receive as an enrolled veteran. Afterward, you will be given an opportunity to apply for enrollment. If you wish, you can skip the Explorer and simply apply for enrollment using one of the options below.

• Telephone: Veterans can complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone. To apply, call (877) 222 8387, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. VA staff members will collect the needed information and process the application for an enrollment determination.

• Online: Veterans can fill out the application online at Vets.gov. and electronically submit it to VA for processing. VA will search for your supporting documentation through its electronic information systems and contact you if it is unable to verify your military service. For help filling out the application, call (877) 222-8387, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• Mail: The application form can be downloaded from www.vets.gov/healthcare/apply/. Mail the completed and signed form to: Health Eligibility Center, Enrollment Eligibility Division, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647.

• In person: You can apply at any VA health care facility.

You select where you want to receive your care. As part of the enrollment process, Veterans will be given the opportunity to select the VA Medical Center or Community Based Outpatient Clinic where they prefer to be seen. To find a facility near you, visit VA’s directory at www.va.gov/directory.

The information is from the 2018 Edition, Vol. 1, Health Care Benefits Overview. If you have any questions, call the Veterans Affairs Office at (800) 827-1000.