The State of Minnesota is currently home to more than 410,000 veterans and their families. Veterans and their families across Minnesota receive $1.28 billion in federal benefits, yet many cannot access these benefits where they want and need them. The Association is establishing a new task force and is looking for a few good men (and women) to help us complete our work in 2011. The Veterans’ Task Force will be chaired by Andy Opsahl, VP of Operations with Benedictine Health System, and will meet 3-4 times during 2011 with the following charge:

The purpose of the Veteran’s Task Force is to provide a forum for information sharing and dialogue among task force members about Minnesota veterans and how to best meet their long-term care needs. The specific goals of the task force include:

1.  The identification and discussion of key topics of interest such as expectations in veterans contracts, utilization of aid & attendance benefits, coverage of home care-related services by the Veteran’s administration, Minnesota Hospice-Veteran Partnership, relationships with county veterans services officers, and the “We Honor Veterans” program;
2.  Development of resource recommendations for the membership; and
3.  Development of advocacy recommendations at the state and federal level to improve access to Veterans benefits for the full spectrum of care.

If you are interested in serving on this task force, email Nancy McCoy at the Association office nmccoy@careproviders.org or 952-851-2481. The first meeting will be in early March.

Patti Cullen, CAE
952.851.2487
pcullen@careproviders.org

Resources