The first annual National Buddy Check Week is Oct.16 – Oct. 20, 2023. In this new VA program, veterans are encouraged to contact ten fellow veterans and check on how they are doing. The goal is to build peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA resources. Veteran family members, caregivers, and survivors are also encouraged to participate.
Direct Deposit Only for VA Caregiver Stipends
VA will no longer issue paper checks for all primary family caregivers. Enrollment as a vendor for direct deposits may be done through VA’s Customer Engagement Portal. Caregivers will need their social security number, address, and bank routing/account numbers to complete the required form. The CSP Direct Deposit Enrollment User Guide provides step-by-step enrollment instructions.
TRICARE Open Enrollment Season Coming Soon
TRICARE Open Season will be Nov. 13 – Dec. 12, 2023. This is your chance to enroll or change your health care plan for the next year. If you are satisfied with your current plan, no action is necessary and your coverage will continue automatically for 2024. It is important to note that new retirees have only one year to enroll for TRICARE Prime or Select. Enrollment is not automatic for retirees.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
