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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > Committed to Support Sick or Injured Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Committed to Support Sick or Injured Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
By Jonathan Pearson on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012
Carrie Hessler-Radelet (above, speaking at a 2010 50th Anniversary event at the University of Michigan) was recently appointed Acting Director of the Peace Corps
In September, the National Peace Corps Association spot lighted Nancy Tongue (Chile) a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) who has dealt with post-service health issues, as our featured advocate of the month. In response, Acting Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet (Western Samoa 81-83) issued the following statement on matters pertaining to individuals who face serious injury or illness in the aftermath of their Peace Corps service:
“One of my favorite Peace Corps recruitment campaigns is anchored by the tagline ‘The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.’ As an RPCV, I love it because it truly speaks to the entire Peace Corps experience. Being a Peace Corps volunteer can be rewarding, but it is no easy task. It’s this reason that motivates me to ensure that our volunteers are supported as much as possible throughout their entire lifecycle as a volunteer – all the way from invitee to RPCV. That’s why I am troubled by the frustrations some of our returned volunteers have encountered when dealing with post-service medical claims through the Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA), which covers federal employees and volunteers who become sick or injured on the job.
“During their service, volunteers receive their medical care directly from Peace Corps. Once they leave Peace Corps service, however, RPCVs have to work through the FECA system. That system is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Peace Corps’ role in this process is limited by law. Only DOL has the authority to review and accept claims, and to authorize payments. However, the Peace Corps’s Post-Service Unit does help RPCVs to file their claims, collect the relevant Peace Corps health records and submit the necessary paperwork to DOL. We also make efforts to facilitate communication between RPCVs and DOL staff.
“Unfortunately, this system has failed some RPCVs, and that is truly disheartening. That’s why I’m committed to working with our Post-Service Unit and DOL to try to improve the FECA process for returned volunteers.
“Recognizing the difficulties that some RPCVs face when they apply to the Department of Labor for FECA benefits, the Peace Corps has been negotiating with DOL for several years about changes we believe would improve the system. We are also working with the Government Accountability Office to explore ways to improve the FECA process for returned volunteers.
“In addition, the Peace Corps is creating two positions in the Peace Corps Post-Service Unit to try to address problems from the Peace Corps end. We have also expanded the Case Manager position in the Post-Service Unit to include care coordination for some catastrophic illnesses or injuries.
“I am also working with the founding members of Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers, including Nancy Tongue and others, as we take steps to try to improve the process for returned volunteers seeking FECA benefits.
“The Peace Corps takes the health and well-being of those who serve very seriously. I am committed to ensuring that our sick or injured RPCVs receive the help and support they deserve.”
The group Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers is currently circulating a survey to collect information and experiences from all within the Peace Corps community about these issues.
Learn more about Nancy Tongue and NPCA’s work with Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers.
I don’t think changing the agency that pays the claim (Peace Corps) will help workers. It was hard when doctors lobbied for five year law exception.
the system is a mess…four months of papers and pain…and no treatment and most bills not paid…..
I wish someone would have helped me when I COs’d. I did what I was told and went to a Federal Dr. (the VA) and with my health issues and depression, next thing I knew it was too late to apply for the workers comp, even though I had the paperwork and all the stuff proving my injury. For years now I have suffered, and can’t get a job because of it. Yes, I wish someone could help me!
I am glad that Peace Corps Director Carrie Hassler-Radelet is working to address this issue. I’ve been struggling with FECA for most of this year, first in getting my claim accepted and then in receiving reimbursements. Even though I’ve had all of my paperwork in order and followed their directions very clearly, it has still been such a mess dealing with FECA. I wrote to my congressman for a congressional inquiry into my case, which seemed to help, but then FECA still didn’t follow through on the reimbursements like they said they would. I’ve written for a second congressional inquiry and am awaiting FECA’s response.
Wow Dave … I’m impressed…and still no help…?!!
Well we’ll see. I logged into my OWCP account online yesterday and saw that they’re finally re-processing the reimbursements. Will have to see if they end up paying the entire amounts.
I did have one reimbursement paid successfully, but only for a very small amount of what was actually submitted. I suspect it’s because most of my bills are from a homeopathic doctor, who was the only one who successfully treated my parasite infection.
Good for you Dave! Homeopathy is great!! Because of you- I wrote to my congress woman…so we’ll see..thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome, that should help one way or another! When a member of congress inquires into your case, the OWCP is required to respond to them within a short time-frame, so it might help to get their act together.
I have always wanted Peace Corps to push for after service health care for volunteers who have been injured or seriously sick while in service. This is the least the U.S. can give back to the people who demonstrated devotion to their country and the good-will they have garnered for it by serving as PCVs.
Well…my hope it will help me…now and others later! I’ll keep you posted…do tell us when you get results or whatever…
I’ve always wondered if PCV’s shouldn’t just have VA benefits as a bottom line….,
Am I mistaken…didn’t PC promise that our medical needs (related to our service) would be taken care of by them-during and after service?!! Isn’t that like a VA benefit?
Claudia, just wanted to let you know that I finally received my reimbursement check for my OWCP case! It took about 11 months and lots of back and forth, but I think the 2 letters to my congressional representative made the difference.
Congratulations Dave!!! I too am getting some results…after writing my congress woman (don’t know if that is why…) I received a reimbursement check from 5 months ago and a callback for the FIRST time!!…from my claims manager!!! She told me that my case was accepted!! That perseverance..that we needed to serve in PC still serves us..huh?!!
Dave..did you ever hear back from your congressional representative? I have not…Lois Capps…
The primary text of the article by FairWarning.org (published Dec. 12, 2012) contains one brief quote from the Peace Corps, a sentence from Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. This quote came from this blog post.
The issue of better supporting injured and ill Peace Corps Volunteers has not been sufficiently addressed for many years, not just by the Peace Corps, but also by the NPCA, the broader Peace Corps community, and other important stakeholders.
That has started to change, thanks in no small way by the group Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers, and the current Peace Corps leadership. There is an atmosphere of collaboration and problem-solving underway. While the challenges will no doubt remain and continue to be difficult, it is unfortunate the article did not give more attention to the efforts currently underway to better address this issue.
The NPCA hopes to play a constructive and helpful role in further addressing the support that injured and ill Returned Peace Corps Volunteers deserve.
sounds like more government verbiage…I’m not seeing any improvement!