CVSO Office Updates
HAPPY NOVEMBER to Olmsted County’s FINEST!
There’s a LOT going on in this crazy world we live in right now, so our team decided to re-visit VA Health Care Enrollments. I’ve included information on VA Health Care and how to apply for this month’s educational segment. It seems pertinent as many things are changing with insurance.
Understanding VA Health Care
VA Health Care is not an insurance plan — it’s a benefit earned through military service. Veterans who served honorably are eligible to receive high-quality medical care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This care can be provided directly at VA Medical Centers and community-based outpatient clinics, or through approved community providers when VA facilities aren’t readily available.
The VA Health Care system offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health support, preventive screenings, and prescription coverage. Veterans may also be eligible for additional services such as prosthetics, audiology, physical therapy, women’s health, and home or community-based care.
Unlike private health insurance, there are no premiums or monthly payments for enrollment. Some veterans may have small copayments for specific services based on income level, disability rating, or priority group, but VA Health Care itself is a federal benefit designed to ensure those who served have access to the care they need.
By enrolling in VA Health Care, veterans gain coordinated access to care both within the VA system and in their local community when approved through VA’s Community Care Program. This ensures that veterans receive timely, high-quality medical attention, no matter where they live.
Please reach out regarding VA Health Care- we are here to answer any questions you might have and also assist in getting you enrolled.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving Month!
  Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
September 2025
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 147
- VA Healthcare: 20
- DIC: 3
- Burial: 26
- Survivor’s Pension: 0
- CHAMPVA: 0
- Records Request: 5
- Special Monthly Pension: 1
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 419
Veterans in office: 107
Outreach visits: 0
Total phone calls: 301
Average number of calls per day: 10
Average call length: 3 minutes and 07 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
November Mantra:
I am POWERFUL: My thoughts, feelings, and actions create my future.
Happy November Sisters!
I’m sad to share that my grandmother died October 23rd, 2025. It’s interesting to me how a death in the family brings perspective to what’s important and how we show up and hold space in this world. I didn’t get to see my grandmother often as she lived in Farmington, MN. It’s about an hour away and life has been so crazy it was hard to make the trip. It was easy to come up with excuses not to make it up for a visit. Now I’m left feeling like I could have tried harder.
I got to attend a retreat through VA Health Care in Hastings, MN on October 28th. It was held at a beautiful location in the bluffs along a lake/river. One exercise I got to participate in involved writing down all the things I wanted to let go of on a post-it note, then we all got to throw them in the fire. It was easy to write down all the things I wanted to let go of, shedding the negative destructive core beliefs and thoughts that keep me stuck. It was sweetly symbolic to write my inner most critical thoughts on paper, tell them to kick rocks, then burn them up in a fire. We ended the exercise by writing out what we want to “bring in” for our future selves. This was much more challenging for me. It’s REALLY easy to pull forward negative critical thoughts, and much more difficult to pull forward the positives. I ended up coming away with 5 things I want to bring forward for myself. I feel good about those. I walked away from that fire pit with an odd sense of peace and lightness that I didn’t have before. Since I’m in my fire era, I may put this exercise into practice monthly to symbolize all the negatives and clear them from my space. What an impactful experience!
This leads me to my grandmother’s funeral. Because I missed the opportunity to go spend time with her, I was ready to jump to the self-critical thoughts. Then abruptly stopped myself, realizing that I just burned all my critical inner thoughts and to embrace the positive. It was a great opportunity to reach out and connect with my family, to spend time looking at photos, laughing about memories, and remembering how wonderful my grandmother was. She was an extraordinary woman who will be so greatly missed. It was a gift to read through the virtual guest book, all the stories of how she touched so many lives and made an impact on so many people through her presence.
Again with the symbolism. I feel like she left me a gift. When driving home, I spent time in deep thought thinking about how I want to leave this world. I hope it’s not for many years, but when I do leave, I want people to remember me. Not what I did, but WHO I was. I want people to have been touched by my presence and remember how I made them feel.
Here’s to a new month, new opportunities to show up in an impactful way, prioritize humans over processes and connections over the “to-do” list. The focus is on REST (Remember Everything's Simple Today) putting coins in the ‘connection’ banks of those who mean the most to me. To be easy on ourselves and to take time to just truly enjoy the beauty around us.
I’m thankful for this space and for you, diligent readers, who keep coming back.
-Tiffany
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
Veterans Day Hesher Ruck
Who – Veterans and Veteran minded individuals
What – A ruck march that will start and finish at Little Thistle Brewery
Where – We will step off from Little Thistle and ruck to Thesis Brewery / Beetle’s Pub, have approximately 30 minutes for drinks, then on to the Canadian Honker for the same time and activity. Then on to Forager, for the same time and activity and ending back at Little Thistle to close out the ruck.
Why – To build camaraderie in the Vet community by carry a ruck - weight of your choice - and have a beer with a new friend. By doing this, and more in the future, we can build a supportive and strong network of Veterans and Vet Centric activities that will ensure that we have someone to talk to when the need arises.
When - 14 November 2025, 4:30pm arrival and 5:00pm step off. The route is just under 4 miles, and we will spend about 30 minutes at each stop.
Please reach out to Rod Haworth at roderic.haworth@gmail.com or Josh Gerber at joshuagerber2@gmail.com to RSVP and to answer any questions you may have.
VFW Post 1215 Mess Hall Discount
Breakfast & Holiday Bake Sale
Federal Government Shutdown Text Scams
We are serving people impacted in various ways by the government shutdown. Unfortunately, there are several text / phishing scams going on right now related to SNAP, etc. See example received by an Aiken County resident via text… We wanted you to have this awareness. Of course, if you receive something like this directly, please report it.
SCAM TEXT EXAMPLE:
Food Debit Emergency Relief
Card # 12345678 Exp 12/8/24
$1000
Aitkin approves $1000 emergency food relief for October 2025.
All MN residents qualify for $1000 grocery relief – Claim by October
27, 2025
Claim Now (with a box to click on).
DO NOT CLICK ON THE BOX
VA Cost of Living Adjustment
Key Details of the 2026 COLA Increase
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Percentage Increase: The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is confirmed at 2.8%. This adjustment is designed to help veterans keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
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Effective Date: The new rates will take effect on December 1, 2025, and veterans will start receiving the updated payments in their accounts on January 1, 2026.
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Who Benefits: All veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher will automatically receive this COLA increase. This includes military retirees and surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
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Calculation of Payments: To estimate the new payment amount, veterans can multiply their current monthly payment by 1.028 (to account for the 2.8% increase). For example, if a veteran currently receives $3,831.30 at a 100% disability rating, the new payment would be approximately $3,938.58.
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Additional Considerations: Veterans with dependents may receive higher amounts, as the COLA increase also applies to additional allowances for spouses, children, and other dependents.
This COLA increase is crucial for maintaining the purchasing power of veterans' benefits amid ongoing inflationary pressures. Veterans are encouraged to review their VA ratings and stay informed about their compensation to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Karen's Korner
Is there something you want to learn more about? If you have questions, more than likely, other veterans have the same questions.
We are always looking for new articles for this newsletter. If you have something you would like to know, or tell others about, please send me an email karen.applen@olmstedcounty.gov and I will do my best to assist you.
125 LIVE
Discover All That 125 LIVE Has to Offer!!
125 Live is a social and fitness facility for anyone 18 years and older. With 60,000 square feet, we provide various physical, social, and intellectual opportunities to engage our communities' minds and bodies. Our fitness members have access to cutting-edge equipment with access to over 100 fitness classes, two swimming pools, and multiple pickleball courts. Our social members get to enjoy educational seminars, interest groups, a billiards room, a pottery studio and much more.
We offer special programs for our veteran's, active-duty military, spouses, and partners including 10% membership discount and non $50 enrollment fee. To learn all that we have to offer, go to www.125livemn.org/schedules. We look forward to seeing you at 125 LIVE.
Do You Qualify for a Veterans Pension?
Many veterans of wartime service are completely unaware of the fact that if they are 65 or older and on a limited income, they may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs pension without being disabled.
You may also qualify for a Veterans Pension if you are a wartime veteran with a limited income and you are no longer able to work.
Veterans Pensions Eligibility
You may qualify for a Veterans Pension if:
- You were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions
AND
- You served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a period of wartime, or:
- You are permanently and totally disabled or are age 65 or older.
You also must have limited income and a limited net worth or assets to qualify for a VA pension. Net worth includes your and your spouse’s assets and annual income. When you apply for Veterans Pension benefits, you’ll need to report all of these assets and income. The 2025 asset limit for VA pension is $159,240.
2025 VA Pension Income Limits (Effective Dec. 1, 2024)
| If you are a... |
Your yearly income must be less than... |
| Veteran with no dependents |
$16,956 |
| Veteran with a spouse or a child |
$22,216 |
| Housebound veteran with no dependents |
$20,732 |
| Housebound veteran with one dependent |
$25,982 |
| Veteran who needs the aid and attendance of another person and has no dependents |
$28,300 |
| Veteran who needs the aid and attendance of another person and has one dependent |
$33,548 |
| Two veterans married to each other |
$22,216 |
|
ADD for each additional child to any of the categories above |
$2,902 |
Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income). It's also important to note that your medical-related expenses are considered when determining your yearly family income.
VA Payment Rates
VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar.
VA Pension Payment Example
Joe (a single veteran) has an annual income of $5,000 and no assets. His annual income limit is $16,956. To determine Joe's pension, subtract his annual income of $5,000 from the $16,956 income limit, which gives him an annual pension rate of $11,956. This translates into a monthly pension check of approximately $996.33.
Apply for VA Pension Benefits
You can apply online through VA's website.
Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
Aid and attendance (A&A) is a benefit paid in addition to a pension. This benefit can't be paid without pension eligibility. A veteran may be eligible for A&A when:
- They require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting themselves from the hazards of their daily environment.
- They are bedridden, meaning their disability requires that they remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment.
- They are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
- They are blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected vision of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
Housebound benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension. Like A&A, housebound benefits can't be paid without pension eligibility. A veteran may be eligible for housebound benefits when:
- They have a single, permanent disability evaluated as 100% disabling and, due to such disability, they are permanently and substantially confined to their immediate premises.
- They have a single, permanent disability evaluated as 100% disabling and another disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60% or more disabling.
You can't get both aid and attendance and housebound benefits at the same time.
How to Apply for Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
You can apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits by writing to the VA office with jurisdiction over the claim. That would be the office where you filed a claim for pension benefits. If you aren't sure which office handles your claim, you can file the request with any VA regional office.
You should include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an attending physician, validating the need for aid and attendance or housebound-type care.
The report should be in sufficient detail to determine that there is disease or injury with physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, or to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable.
The report should indicate how well the veteran gets around, where they go, and what they are able to do during a typical day.
Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits
Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all the latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox.
Understanding VA Long-Term Care Benefits
As a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating, you fall into Priority Group 1 for VA health care, which gives you access to long-term care services without copays or deductibles. The VA offers a range of long-term care options, including:
These are VA nursing homes offering 24/7 skilled nursing, rehabilitation and help with daily tasks such as bathing or eating. With more than 100 CLCs across the U.S., you’re eligible for unlimited care as a Priority Group 1 vet, though availability depends on your local VA.
Think home health aides, adult day care or hospice care. If the VA deems these medically necessary, you’re likely covered without copays due to your disability rating.
These state-run facilities, partly funded by the VA, offer nursing home care and sometimes assisted living. Your 100% rating puts you at the front of the line, with the VA often covering part of the cost.
This additional monthly pension provides support if you need assistance with daily activities or are housebound. It can cover things such as home care or nursing home costs. To qualify, you need to be on the VA pension program, meet income/asset limits and show a need for help. Your rating makes this a strong possibility.
Comparing VA Benefits to Private LTC Insurance
Private LTC insurance, like the policy you have, typically covers services such as nursing home care, assisted living or in-home care when you can no longer perform normal daily activities. However, unlike VA benefits, private insurance often requires medical underwriting, has premium costs that may increase over time and may not pay out if you never need long-term care. Here's how your VA benefits compare.
- Cost: As a 100% disabled veteran, you're exempt from copays for VA-covered long-term care services, including CLCs and HCBS. This could make your private insurance excessive if the VA is covering all your needs.
- Choice: Private insurance lets you pick non-VA facilities, such as a specific assisted living community. The VA doesn’t cover room and board in private assisted living, so if that’s your preference, your policy might be worth keeping.
- Coverage gaps: VA services can vary by location and wait times for CLCs or HCBS might happen due to limited spots or funding. Private insurance could be a backup if VA care isn’t readily available.
- Medicare/Medicaid: If you’re 65 or older, Medicare covers only short-term skilled nursing (up to 100 days after a hospital stay), not long-term care. If you qualify based on income and assets, Medicaid could cover most costs, reducing the need for private insurance.
Actionable Steps to Make an Informed Decision
Here are some action items to help you determine whether to keep your LTC insurance.
Check Your VA Options
Contact the VA or call their benefits hotline (800-827-1000). You can also talk to a VA social worker to confirm your long-term care benefits. Ask about local availability and wait times.
Review Your Policy
Look at what your LTC insurance covers, such as in-home care, nursing homes, the daily benefit and whether premiums might go up. Compare this to what the VA offers. Consider whether the policy’s flexibility, such as having the option to choose private facilities, is worth the cost.
Get Expert Advice
Talk to a VA accredited representative or financial planner specializing in veterans benefits to see how your insurance fits with VA benefits. A financial professional can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. Avoid paying for A&A help; VA social workers offer it free.
Think About Your Needs
Do you want care in a specific private facility, or are VA options such as CLCs enough? If you have assets to protect for a spouse or heirs, private insurance might help.
Making Your Decision
If VA services such as CLCs, HCBS or the A&A benefit fully cover your potential long-term care needs and are available in your area, you may not need to continue paying for private LTC insurance. Canceling could save you a lot of money, especially since your 100% disability rating eliminates copays for VA care. If you're eligible for Medicaid or expect to be, this could further reduce the need for private insurance.
However, if the flexibility of private facilities is of value to you, you anticipate gaps in VA service availability or you'll want to ensure coverage for non-VA settings, maintaining your policy could provide peace of mind.
Before canceling your private insurance, confirm that VA services meet your needs and consider keeping the policy until you're certain or have talked to a professional. Ultimately, your decision hinges on balancing the VA benefits you're entitled to with your personal care preferences and financial goals.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional or VA benefits expert to evaluate your specific situation and needs before making decisions about your long-term care insurance.
MDVA Health & Disability-Related Programs
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is responsible for administering and highlighting a number of health and disability-related programs for Minnesota Veterans and their families. These include benefits and services in the areas of disability claims, outreach, dental, optical, special needs, homelessness prevention, and health information on issues like depleted uranium and hepatitis c.
Please contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for personal assistance and more information on these programs. Find your CVSO at www.macvso.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) MDVA's one-stop customer service line for all Minnesota Veterans and their families.
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
January 15, 2026
March 19, 2026
May 21, 2026
July 16, 2026
September 17, 2026
November 19, 2026
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors is a wonderful organization that offers veterans and their guests guided hunting and fishing trips. With tremendous support from experienced guides, veterans who attend these events create fantastic memories.
New Mexico Elk Hunt
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Dates: November 17 - 21, 2025
Muzzle Loader Deer Hunt
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Location: Appleton, MN
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Dates: December 3 - 7, 2025
LOW Ice Fishing
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Location: Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort
Lake of the Woods, MN
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Dates: February 26 - March 1, 2026
LOW Veterans Fishing Event
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Location: Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort
Lake of the Woods, MN
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Dates: July 30 - August 2, 2026
- Forms must be submitted no later than January 1, 2026
For more information regarding any of the events listed above, please click below:
Rolling Hills Transit
SEMCAC is proud to announce a NEW service, honoring all those who serve. SEMCAC recently added a new bus to their fleet and would like to offer FREE rides to mobility challenged disabled veterans.
The bus will be operating out of Stewartville but will be covering their five county service area.
We asked Bill Spitzer, SEMCAC’s Director of Transportation, a few questions about their program and here are his replies:
- How long will Rolling Hills be offering free transportation? There is no end date planned.
- How do veterans schedule a ride? Call the dispatch center (507) 634-4340
- Where will you transport veterans to (examples: medical appointments, C&P exams, the grocery store, etc…)? Any of those
- What do you need in order to prove veteran status? A VA/government issued ID (such as a Veterans Health Identification Card, military ID card, driver’s license denoting veteran status or DD214)
- When you say ‘disabled’, do you mean physically or mentally as well? This service would be for ‘mobility challenged’ veterans. At this time we do not have the capacity to offer to all veterans.
JOBS
Local Service Organization Meetings
For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.
"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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