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This episode of the Posh Corps Podcast investigates the complex, frustrating, dysfunctional health care system available to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. This story is the first segment in The Reform Series, a four-part series about Peace Corps reform efforts.
Nancy Tongue, who served in Chile from 1980 to 1982, struggled to get serious illness covered through the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). FECA, which is administered by the Department of Labor, is the only way for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to get compensation for their service-related medical issues. FECA is so dysfunctional, that many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers with serious post-service medical conditions are trapped in a medical limbo, unable to get the treatments they need, unable to work due to illness and unable to get help from Peace Corps. Nancy Tongue started a support group for these volunteers called Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers.
Editorial: Introduction to the Reform Series
Transcript:
Credits:
Produced and recorded by Alan Toth
Recording and Editorial Assistance by Lauren Schwartzman.
Music: "A Tale" from the album Hang by Laura Inserra. Used under a license provided by iLicense Music
Photos: U.S. Peace Corps & Alan Toth
Sources:
Interviews with Nancy Tongue, William Harless and Howard L Grahm.
Recommendations to the Peace Corps Director from thePost Service Healthcare Task Force
Peace Corps Healthcare Fact Sheet
Press Release: Hawaii State Representative Jim Shon (1988)
RPCV Health Survey: Hawaii House of Representatives (1988)
Letter: Peace Corps Director Loret Miller Ruppe sends assurances (1985)
Letter: Acting Peace Corps Director Jody K Olsen sends assurances (2009) Page 1, Page 2