RI Veterans: Did you know? (update on Veterans Home charges, events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Questions from one of our readers:

Update on millions of dollars illegally charged to disabled Veterans living at the Veterans’ Home from 2007 to July 2021

(Full disclosure: John A. Cianci was the whistleblower who filed the Veterans Administration Inspector General complaint in 2020 after waiting almost 6 months for the Office of Veterans Services to stop the illegal activity. Moreover, he had to file an additional OIG complaint after the State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services would only reimburse veterans and their estates going back to Feb 2013. In addition, another IG complaint has been filed by Cianci for an estimated 2-3 million owed from 2007 to 2010)

My grandmother was told the State of Rhode Island was ordered to reimburse veterans who paid a monthly fee while living at the RI Veterans Home. When she called, she was told my grandfather was not on the list, although he was a World War II /Korean War Veteran with 3 purple hearts. – Susan, North Providence.

Susan, as a result of a Veterans Administration Inspector General Complaint filed by the Italian American War Veterans of RI, the IG investigation findings:

·       The State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services was illegally charging service-connected in need for his or her care as a result of injury, and or veteran collecting 70% or more VA compensation; estimated $5.6 million dollars for 56 veterans. Click the link for WPRI story. https://www.wpri.com/target-12/a-little-too-late-ri-veterans-home-families-repaid-millions-after-improper-billing/

·       State of Rhode Island was charging veterans for co-payments for physical / occupational therapy, although VA was reimbursing the Veterans Home.

The VA issued a CEASE and DESIST letter to the Rhode Island Veterans Home. In addition, the VA ordered the State of Rhode to reimburse those veterans who were illegally charged. 

Surprisingly, the State of Rhode Island chose only to reimburse going back to February 2013 despite the VA OIG finding that all veterans and their families would be reimbursed for the illegal charges.

The ITAM organization leadership filed another VA-OIG on behalf of reimbursement for those veterans who were charged prior to February 2013. Once again, the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s findings directly ordered the State of Rhode Island to reimburse all veterans, estates, or next of kin who were charged when the law went into effect in 2007.

The state’s analysis identified 17 veterans were owed $770,140.37; the 17 included 14 who were discharged from the Veterans Home, due to death.

The 17 additional veterans were for the period from October 1, 2010, through February 1, 2013. Below is a copy of the Revised Corrective Action Plan Regarding 10NC4 which began in State Fiscal Year 2023 ( July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023) obtained by RINEWSTODAY. 

Reviewing the state purchase order records available to the public, RINEWSTODAY viewed several payments of over $100,000 to the estates of veterans who were included on the additional list.

According to the plan submitted to VA-OIG, the state would be publishing on its website a Notice of the availability of refunds identifying only the name of the eligible Veteran who has not been located and requesting that anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of the Veteran contact the Rhode Island Veterans Home. 

A review of the Office of Rhode Island Veteran Home and or Office of Rhode Island State Veterans Affairs websites, https://vets.ri.gov/ shows NO such notice has been published on an estimated 10 veterans and/or next of kin, or estates owed an estimated $500,000. 

Who would benefit if the widow, next of kin, or estate cannot be located to reimburse an estimated $100,000 each of overcharges? In the State of Rhode Island, as noted in Channel 12 original coverage, the RIVH can claim the money.

One has to wonder about the state’s motive for NOT publishing the names still owed an estimated $1 million of illegal charges.

One has to wonder, why the state only can find records going back to 2010 of veterans being illegally charged.

In conclusion, Susan, RINEWSTODAY recommends the following action if you believe your grandfather was overcharged:

1.    Contact the Rhode Island Veterans Home and ask to speak with the point of contact handling reimbursement of overcharges. Inquire if your grandfather’s name is on the list.

2.    If the Veteran’s Home tells you “no”, contact the Veteran Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]. ITAM will assist you in obtaining your grandfather’s records to see if he was overcharged.

VETTIP – ITAM had previously assisted to other spouses who were originally told they were not overcharged. Both spouses received over $100,000 in reimbursement.

Lastly, message to Rhode Island Office Veterans Affairs, RINEWSTODAY will gladly add a section to this weekly column of all names of veterans whose families, next of kin, or estates they are trying to locate. 

___

Events

April 8, 2023 – Women’s Veterans Luncheon 12:00 p.m. at Rhode Island Veterans Home, 400 Metacom Ave Bristol RI. Women veteran with veteran ID meal is FREE. All other $15. Reservations are a must, contact Ginny Hanson, (401) 294-2434, email [email protected] or Gretchen at (401) 862-9639, email [email protected]. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday, March 22, 2023. 

April 23, 2023 – Chopstick Auction for Department VFW Auxiliary Ways and Means Committee, Kelley Grazzero Post #2812, 1418 Plainfield Street, Cranston RI. Auction starts at 1:00 p.m., more information call Stephen Doherty, (401) 500-1255 

May 6, 2023 – Memorial Day Parade Pasta Dinner Saturday, May 6th 4pm-7pm at Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd.  Adults-$15, Children $10, Ages 5 and under free.  In addition to entry to the pasta dinner, purchase of one of these tickets will enter you in our raffle, to be eligible to win an awesome prize from local Lincoln businesses! Come enjoy great food, music, and lots of raffle prizes! Tickets are available for purchase at Town Hall – 100 Old River Rd., We Roast Coffee- 276 Front St., Ted’s Paint- 194 Front St., and Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd. 

Any questions please email [email protected] or call 401-333-8416 / 401-333-8417. All proceeds go towards the Lincoln Memorial Day Parade Celebration!

RESOURCES  & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.  As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) via email at [email protected]*** 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May) 

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. 

___ 

Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID.

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me. 

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe. 

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations listed below: 

Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get – 

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly. 

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

___ 

If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to:[email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered. 

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838) 

___

To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.