Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA )

Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA) Department Of Veterans Affairs – VISN 18 Robert M. Baum VISN Prosthetics Manager December 13, 2012 VA Southwest Health Care Network

What is HISA? HISA is a VA grant/benefit offered to eligible Veterans limited to the improvement and structural alterations necessary only to assure the continuation of treatment and/or provide access to the home or to essential lavatory facilities. VA Southwest Health Care Network

HISA Monetary Limitations Service-Connected - up to $6,800 Nonservice-connected – up to $2,000 VA Southwest Health Care Network

Examples of What HISA Will Cover: • Improving entrance or exit from Veteran’s home • Improving access for use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities • Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters • Handrails • Lowered Electrical outlets and switches • Improving paths or driveways • Improving plumbing/electrical work for dialysis patients VA Southwest Health Care Network

What Does a Patient Need to Start the Process? • A prescription from a VA or Fee-basis physician: a. must specify item(s) required; b. Diagnosis with medical justification; c. Veteran’s name address, SSN and phone number(s). • The Veteran Must Provide: 1. Completed VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring HISA. 2. If a leased or rented property, permission from owner. VA Southwest Health Care Network

Veteran Must Provide…Continued: 3. Quotation from at least 3 licensed contractors (if required by state law); a) Name, address, telephone and SSN or Federal tax# b) Veteran’s name, address and telephone #; c) Plans/Drawings; d) Itemized list of materials, cost and labor cost; e) All permits required, contractors responsibility. 4. Picture of work site prior to construction. VA Southwest Health Care Network

Veteran Certification: The Veteran/applicant agrees to the following by signing the VAF10-0103 Application: • That he/she understands that the VA assumes no responsibility for maintenance, repair or replacement; • No liability for the product; extends no warranties; • No liability for damages caused by equipment or devices, or for its removal, when no longer needed or wanted. • The Veteran is responsible for all contract work not authorized by VA. • The Veteran is responsible for all costs above the limit to which he/she is entitled. VA Southwest Health Care Network

Contractor Requirements: • Must be willing to accept a government purchase order or Purchase Card and understand payment will be made upon completion, inspection and a letter of satisfaction/completion from the Veteran. 2. Complete description of proposed project: a) Sketch of area to be modified b) Sketch of modifications c) Ramps must indicate slope d) If driveway or walk, plan must describe materials e) All cost must be itemized, both materials and labor f) Must comply with all city, county and state building codes g) Certify construction/modification meets ADA specifications h)Warranty Work I) Picture of Work Site after completion VA Southwest Health Care Network

Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Responsibilities: • Chief, PSAS, has over-all Administrative Responsibility of Local HISA Program; • Counsel Veterans on Benefits and assist in the Application Process; • Verify contractors are licensed and registered; • Notify the Veteran and contractor once project is Approved; • Process payment after all documents and inspections have been completed. VA Southwest Health Care Network

Important Web Sites: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/PSAS_Videos.asp\ www.prosthetics.va.gov http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/HISA2.asp http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1681 VA Southwest Health Care Network

VISN 18 PSAS Contact List • VISN Prosthetics Manager • Robert M. Baum (robert.baum@va.gov) • Carston Foy, AO, (carston.foy@va.gov) • Medical Center Service Chiefs • Albuquerque – Monica Trujillo (monica.trujillo2@va.gov) • Amarillo – Kathryn O’Melia (kathryn.omelia@va.gov) • Big Spring – Mike Meinen (michael.meinen@va.gov) • El Paso – Scott Allen (tracey.allen@va.gov) • Phoenix – AndraBatie (andra.batie@va.gov) • Prescott – Dennis Poehls (dennis.poehls1@va.gov) • Tucson – Donna Saffioti (donna.saffioti@va.gov) VA Southwest Health Care Network

Questions? VA Southwest Health Care Network

Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA )