Thursday, 29 March 2007
Senator Wants Faster Insurance Payouts For Injured Veterans
Republican Senator Larry Craig of Idaho wants insurance payouts for injured veterans to be issued faster. Currently, it takes an average of 55 days for a veteran to receive an insurance payout.
Two years ago, Congress created an insurance program for injured veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The policy, called traumatic injury insurance, provides payments to veterans who suffer from life-changing injuries.
In the program’s short history, over 3,000 veterans have been compensated for injuries to help them and their families through recovery and rehabilitation. The payouts range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the injury.
“Out of terrible tragedy, this is at least some good news for those who are injured and their families. That money is helping them cope during a time of incredible personal challenges,” said Senator Craig.
The nearly 2 month delay for payment is because injuries must be approved in a 3-step process by service members, medical experts, and service officials — who then have to complete an 8-step application form. Payment is finally received around 4 days after the entire process is completed.
Craig is proud of the program’s success, but thinks it can improve. He wants Veterans Affairs to “see how they can speed up the process.”
Technorati Tags: Health Insurance Veterans Affairs
