IDVA Special Edition Newsletter                                   Oct. 22, 2014



Illinois Warrior Assistance Program 

Exceptional program offers counseling services to help veterans and families transition successfully

 

 

We at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) know that the vast majority of veterans - both young and old - lead healthy, fulfilling lives upon return to civilian life.  Every day we hear countless inspirational stories of veterans succeeding, giving back, and rising to leadership positions in their communities.  This comes as no surprise.

 

But at the same time, a significant number of veterans can benefit and empower themselves through additional support and guidance - particularly those grappling with transition challenges and the residual health effects of combat.  As such, we want ensure that any and all who stand to benefit from the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP) are aware of and have ready-access to the available counseling services.

 

WHAT IS IWAP?

 

IWAP provides confidential assistance to Illinois veterans, servicemembers and their families facing transition challenges through easy-to-access counseling services.  IWAP places a particular focus on providing behavioral health support via trained counselors and face-to-face visits in an outpatient setting - but individuals can call, email or chat with IWAP's expert personnel to discuss any number of challenges and receive prompt referral support: 

  • Toll-Free Hotline - Call the confidential phone number at 1-866-554-4927 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) for immediate support or authorization to see a local health provider. 

Key to IWAP is it's availability to veterans and servicemembers in geographic areas that lack ready-access to services.  For those who have to wait more than 10 days or travel more than 25 miles for a VA appointment, eligible individuals can call IWAP and set up an appointment to receive professional care from a local provider.  The costs are nominal; only a $5 copay per visit.  As such, IWAP acts as a crucial supplement to available VA services, providing eligible veterans and family members with timely, easy-to-access services.

 

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Under the age of 65 and an Illinois Resident
  • Has served a minimum of 180 days of active duty service with an Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard unit
  • Is either ineligible for or unable to access USDVA behavioral health services
  • Must wait more than 10 days for an appointment for USDVA services or the closest USDVA site is more than 25 miles away from the veteran's home
  • Is not an inmate of public institution or a resident of a nursing facility

Covered Services for Veterans:

  • Veterans who are ineligible for VA care or who must travel more than 25 miles for VA care are offered 30 face-to-face visits for counseling services in an outpatient setting.
  • Veterans who must wait more than 10 days for an appointment with VA are offered 6 face-to-face visits for counseling services in an outpatient setting, or until the first VA appointment occurs.
  • The annual benefit for veterans includes any combination of individual, group, medication management, psychological testing, or intensive outpatient (IOP) visits. Each IOP visit accrues against the annual benefit at the rate of 2 outpatient visits for each IOP session.
  • The benefit includes coverage for neuropsychological testing for a mild traumatic brain injury, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Covered Services for Spouses and Dependent Children:

  • Spouse and children are offered six (6) face-to-face visits for counseling in an outpatient setting.

For those ineligible for IWAP Services:


 

Receive the support you need through Illinois Joining Forces' easy-to-use referral feature (www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/referral) or by contacting an Illinois Veteran Service Officer at [email protected] or (800) 437-9824. 

 

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

Building awareness for these available services is essential in strengthening our resolve and our commitment to those who have worn the uniform.  In this way, we pay tribute to those who have served and we position the greater community to reap the rewards from an empowered veteran community.   

 

Printable IWAP Program Flyer for local printing and to share with others.


 

 


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