LINCOLN CBOC/VA NEWS

VA Clinics and Hospitals are currently giving covid and flu shots.  Those wishing to receive a Covid-19 booster shot should call to try and make an appointment. If they are not giving them, they advise calling your local pharmacy to see if they have the type you wish to receive. Be sure to bring your covid shot record with you, as they will add another sticker to the card. 

Remember, Lincoln CBOC’s does walk-in EXPRESS CARE, 3pm to 7pm. This is not for care that should be seen in a hospital emergency room, but for treatment of minor items that do not need to be seen in an emergency room. No appointment needed. 

This new sign in the system called “VA Mobile Check-in for Appointments” seems to be getting better. The quickest way is by texting, “CHECK IN” to 53079. Also, to use this new system, you need to be sure that the VA system has the number for your smartphone listed as your contact number. When you scan the QR code or text the message, the system will respond with a message and a link for you to respond to with your phone. 

The LAB still has their Kiosk for the time being for signing in for blood draws. Look for changes, as this Kiosk may also go away. Pharmacy is still using their own system, thus still need your VA ID to visit the pharmacy to check on or pick up your meds. 

For those travelling to Omaha or a clinic more than 40 miles from home may be eligible for travel pay. Travel pay currently needs to be completed on a paper form. Forms can be found on the tables in the check-in area. Completed forms can be deposited in the drop box in the check-in area. Be sure to complete a travel form if you have a service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater. 

Unwanted Drugs disposal: If you have old meds you would like to get rid of, you can now drop them off in the Pharmacy waiting area. There is a locked BLUE drop box where you can deposit your old, out of date drugs. Get them out of your homes and keep them out of our kid’s hands. 

VA System ID Cards: If you do not have a current VA ID card you can request one while you are in the clinic. You will need to have some form of ID that will allow them to double-check your identity. You can use a state issued driver’s license and/or state issued ID card. You can also get help enrolling in the VA system, etc. by using the link, www.myhealth.va.gov. 

My HealtheVet: Did you know you can request refills of your meds, check your upcoming appointments, send a note to your provider online? The VA has a web site called, My HealtheVet that allows you to do this. If you are not currently using it, or you need help in using it, or signing up for My HealtheVet stop by their education center on your next visit. In Lincoln, their info center is just to the right of the front entrance. The Lincoln education center is staffed on Tuesday – Friday, 0800-1400 hours. 

To get full use of the web site, you need to have a 

The government funds each CBOC / hospital based on the number of veterans signed up for services in its service area. The veterans do not need to be using the VA for their medical needs. They just need to be enrolled in the VA Health Care System. 

Funding is based on foreseen needs, not current needs, thus we need to talk with our fellow veterans to be sure they are enrolled in the VA system. There are many veterans who could receive medical service but have never signed up for this benefit of our service. Again, it is the old story, use them or lose them. 

You may not know that the Lincoln CBOC receives $4,000.00 dollars for each veteran registered as living in our service area. This area takes in most of southeast Nebraska and a few of the counties in northern Kansas. 

Even if you do not wish to us the VA services, we need you to be registered, these funds are based on those registered not those receiving services. 

Thanks for your service. Ed Schnabel 

Lincoln VAG member (Veteran Advisory Group) 

Lincoln VA American Legion Representative for Nebraska 

with the staff. 

Premium My HealtheVet Account. To upgrade your account, you need to be authenticated.    

Coffeehaus is on the third Friday of the month. Had a great turnout for the November Coffeehaus, let’s do it again for December. Three Cords and a Cloud of Dust will be playing 

Buddy Check is on the 22nd of the month, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Bagel and Joe in The Foundry, 14th, and P, downtown. Come and meet your fellow veterans for free food and a drink. You can park in the garage just around the corner for free as we will give you a ticket to use to get out. 

Remember, the VA will only be there for us if we use its services. If we do not use them, the government sees it as a service not needed and will cut funding for the Lincoln CBOC. 

Ed Schnabel
Lincoln VAG member ( Veteran Advisory Group ) 

Lincoln VA American Legion Representative for Nebraska