News

North Dakota Vietnam Veterans of America

Our motto is: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another ”We do not nor will not let any generation of veterans be treated the way we were when we returned home from our war. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a congressionally chartered veterans organization with about 60,000 members. Our national headquarters is located in Silver Spring Md. We have 3 national meetings per year along with either a national leadership conference or our national convention making up the 4th meeting each year.

Patient Access Progress Update

Release 34 – November 19, 2015

Summary

The official Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, now has 2016 Medicare premiums and deductibles information.

Medicare is administered by the Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS press release announcing 2016 Medicare premiums and deductibles also contains this information. Here is part of that press release:

Q: Can I receive both Social Security and military retirement?

A: Yes. Active duty military service has been Social Security covered employment since 1957. Generally, there is no reduction of your Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. More about this is here within the SSA Retirement Planner section.

VA-Walgreens Partnership Gives Vets 8,000 More Locations for Flu Shots

FARGO, N.D. – Flu season is here, and for eligible Veterans, getting a flu shot has never been easier as they can receive free flu shots through a VA-Walgreens partnership.

Eligible Veterans may opt to get a free flu shot at their local VA health care facility or they may choose to go to their neighborhood Walgreens. 

The 2016 annual retirement earnings test amounts will be the same as for 2015. They are not changing.

The annual retirement earnings test concerns how employment earnings in a year affects Social Security received in that year. The earnings test includes only the individuals personal gross wages or net self-employment for the full calendar year. Other income or income of a spouse is not applicable.

There will not be a 2016 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The following is from today’s Social Security press release.

With consumer prices down over the past year, monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 65 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2016.

The Fargo VA will be participating in the North Central Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 21 in Williston and Oct. 22 in Minot.

October 21
10 AM to 3 PM
Williston Armory
320 1st Ave SE, Williston ND

October 22
10 AM to 3 PM
Dakota Territory Air Museum
100 34th Ave N, Minot ND (North of Minot International Airport)

Please bring DD-214 or VA Card as proof of Veteran Status, if possible.

Free On-Site Resources:

At their September Conference in Florida the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) honored North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Lonnie Wangen with their highest award the “Iron Mike”. Admiral Clyde W. Marsh (ret.) and Colonel John Scocos (ret.) presented the Iron Mike award to Commissioner Wangen during an awards banquet.

2nd Annual All About Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Friday, October 9, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the West Acres Shopping Center in Fargo

20th Annual Edith Sanford Run/Walk for Breast Cancer

Friday, October 9, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM in Fargo