Medicare Agent News: NDVA Newsletter

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

NDVA Newsletter - August 2021

NDVA Newsletter

NDVA Announces Expansion of Reservist Tuition Credit Program

On August 28, NDVA made changes to the Reservist Tuition Credit program to increase assistance amounts and expand eligibility. Credits for undergraduates rose from 50 percent to 75 percent, and a new 50-percent tuition credit is available for graduate and professional degrees. In addition, eligibility has been extended to officers and enlisted members of the Active Selected Reserve and the previous eligibility cut off after ten years of service has been eliminated.

The Reservist Tuition Credit program allows members of a Nebraska-based unit of the Active Selected Reserve to receive a tuition credit to the University of Nebraska campuses, Nebraska state colleges, and Nebraska community colleges. The changes to the Reservist Tuition Credit program were made through Legislative Bill 4, introduced earlier this year by Senator Tom Briese and co-sponsored by forty-four senators. LB 4 passed the Legislature March 11, 2021 and was signed by Governor Ricketts on March 17, 2021.

Learn More About the Reservist Tuition Credit Program

Gov. Ricketts Dedicates “Our Canteen Lady” Statue at Norfolk Veterans’ Home

On August 17, Governor Pete Ricketts, NDVA, and community leaders gathered at the Norfolk Veterans’ Home (NVH) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the “Our Canteen Lady” statue at NVH’s Heroes Park.

Sculpted by Nebraska artist Sondra Jonson, the “Our Canteen Lady” statue portrays Rae Wilson, the young woman who came up with the idea for the North Platte Canteen. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Canteen, which first opened to serve troops on December 25, 1941. The Canteen remained in operation for the duration of World War II, treating soldiers to delicious meals and kind-hearted hospitality as they traveled through Nebraska.

View Photos From the Statue Dedication Ceremony

Ask The Question

The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services are partnering to “ask the question” of military service by individuals and family members. The goal is to increase awareness of state and federal benefits and services available to veterans in Nebraska. Both agencies are encouraging service providers and local agencies across the state to “ask the question” (Have you or a family member ever served in the military?) on intake forms and interviews where appropriate. “Asking the question” ensures more veterans will be able to connect with resources and services specific to their needs. NDVA has a webpage dedicated to the “Ask The Question” campaign with more information and resources for service providers.

View Our “Ask The Question” Webpage

Purple Heart Day

August 8 is recognized nationally as Purple Heart Day. It is a day where we recognize not only the history of the Order of the Purple Heart, but honor the courage and sacrifice of the recipients of the Purple Heart Medal. Nebraska is proud to honor and be home to numerous military service members and veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. You can view and download Governor Pete Ricketts’ Purple Heart Day proclamation at the link below.

View or Download the Purple Heart Day Proclamation

NDVA Website Wins dotCOMM Gold Award

The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) has awarded NDVA the dotCOMM Gold Award for the agency’s official website, veterans.nebraska.gov. The website, developed by NIC Nebraska, received recognition for making benefits and services more easily accessible to the state’s veterans. Using new and innovative technology, the NDVA website helps streamline veterans’ ability to connect with the agency and makes navigating available benefits more efficient.

NDVA’s website offers a wide array of services and information in a centralized, easy-to-use platform. Veterans can access a suite of employment tools, view statewide mental health resources, and easily sort through federal and state benefits and services. Additionally, veterans can communicate directly with an accredited state veteran service officer using the new live chat function on the website, allowing them to get any service offered at the physical state service office through a virtual visit.