President Obama, VA, and national leaders celebrated the beginning of
implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. This bill, through its Yellow Ribbon
Programs and partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the nation,
will provide our service members with the most generous educational benefits package
since the original GI Bill of 1944.
The Post–9⁄11 GI Bill We are now accepting applications for the Post–9⁄11 GI Bill benefit that is effective August 1, 2009. Individuals with active duty service since September 11, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit and can apply on–line at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. The program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances. For more information, visit the GI Bill website or call 1–888–GIBILL–1 (1–888–442–4551).
President Obama's Commitment to Veterans' Health Care
The President is committed to ensuring that the Department of Veterans
Affairs provides America's Veterans the highest-quality health care
possible. His budget requests the largest single-year increase in funding
for the Department of Veterans Affairs in three decades, and significantly
expands coverage, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were
previously excluded.
Health reform will only build on the President's commitment to Veterans'
health care. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all
eligible Veterans. Also, Veterans and their families will have additional
choices for high-quality, affordable health care, with consumer protections
that prevent insurance companies from denying coverage or setting a limit on
the coverage they will provide.
The health reform legislation that the House of Representatives is
considering would enable those who are covered by VA care, including
dependents of certain veterans enrolled in the CHAMPVA program, to meet the
individual responsibility mandate; thereby exempting such veterans and
dependants from being assessed penalties. If enacted, the President will
ensure that this exemption is implemented aggressively. The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs would continue to maintain sole authority over the system
and for enhancing the quality and access for all eligible Veterans.
Veterans seeking information about their rights under the proposed settlement of the court case involving the May 3, 2006, theft of computer equipment from the home of a former VA employee can visit www.VeteransClass.com for more information.
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