Exploring Mythology: Pagan Festivals Inspired by Ancient Gods and Goddesses

Pagan festivals have been a vital part of ancient cultures and continue to be celebrated in various forms in the present day. In 2023, these festivals will provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature, honor traditions, and celebrate the changing seasons. One of the most well-known Pagan festivals is Beltane, which takes place on May 1st. This festival marks the beginning of summer, symbolizing fertility and growth. Fire plays a central role in Beltane celebrations, with bonfires lit to cleanse and purify the land. People may also participate in Maypole dancing, where ribbons are woven around a pole, symbolizing unity and the intertwining of the masculine and feminine energies.

From the time an application is submitted, how long before I can expect a response from the VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care?

As further explained on the application, required documents include a copy of each applicant s Medicare card if eligible for Medicare and a School Enrollment Certification Letter for all applicant children between the ages of 18 and 23 years. Although similar, CHAMPVA is a completely separate program with a totally different beneficiary population than TRICARE a Department of Defense health care program formerly called CHAMPUS.

People may also participate in Maypole dancing, where ribbons are woven around a pole, symbolizing unity and the intertwining of the masculine and feminine energies. Another significant Pagan festival is Litha, also known as the summer solstice, occurring around June 20th. This festival celebrates the longest day of the year and the fullness of life.

Community Care

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a health benefits program in which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries.

CHAMPVA is managed by the Veterans Health Administration Office of Integrated Veteran Care (VHA IVC) in Denver, Colorado. We verify CHAMPVA eligibility, authorize benefits, and process medical claims.

To be eligible for CHAMPVA, the beneficiary cannot be eligible for TRICARE. CHAMPVA provides coverage to the spouse or widow(er) and to the children of a Veteran who:

• is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, OR
• was rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition at the time of death, OR
• died of a service-connected disability, OR
• died on active duty and the dependents are not otherwise eligible for Department of Defense TRICARE benefits.

Effective October 1, 2001, CHAMPVA benefits were extended to those age 65 and older. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you must also meet the following conditions:

• If the beneficiary was 65 or older prior to June 5, 2001, and was otherwise eligible for CHAMPVA, and was entitled to Medicare Part A coverage, then the beneficiary will be eligible for CHAMPVA without having to have Medicare Part B coverage.
• If the beneficiary turned 65 before June 5, 2001, and has Medicare Parts A and B, the beneficiary must keep both Medicare Parts A & B to be eligible for CHAMPVA.
• If the beneficiary turned age 65 on or after June 5, 2001, the beneficiary must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for CHAMPVA.

In most cases, CHAMPVA's allowable amount—what we pay for specific services and supplies—is equivalent to Medicare/TRICARE rates. CHAMPVA has an outpatient deductible ($50 per beneficiary per calendar year or a maximum of $100 per family per calendar year) and a patient cost share of 25% of our allowable amount up to the catastrophic cap ($3,000 per calendar year). Beneficiaries should NOT send checks to VHA OCC for their annual deductible; as claims are processed, charges are automatically credited to individual and family deductible requirements for each calendar year.

If your provider accepts assignment, which means the provider accepts CHAMPVA, the provider agrees to accept our allowable amount as payment in full. A provider cannot bill you for the difference between our allowable amount and their normally billed amount.

If the patient has other health insurance, then CHAMPVA pays the lesser of either 75% of the allowable amount after the $50 calendar year deductible is satisfied, or the remainder of the charges and the beneficiary will normally have no cost share. Review the CHAMPVA Deductibles and Copays fact sheet for further information regarding payment on other than outpatient type of services.

Yes. If the beneficiary has other health insurance (OHI), the OHI should be billed first. The explanation of benefits (EOB) from the OHI should then be submitted with the claim for reimbursement to CHAMPVA.

By law, CHAMPVA is always the secondary payer except to Medicaid, State Victims of Crime Compensation Programs, Indian Health Services, and supplemental CHAMPVA policies.

Information about providers can be found on our Locating a Provider page.

As a result of a federal law passed June 5, 2001, CHAMPVA expanded benefit coverage to eligible family members and survivors of qualifying Veteran sponsors effective October 1, 2001.

If the beneficiary is eligible for CHAMPVA and also has Medicare Part A entitlement (premium-free hospitalization coverage) and Medicare Part B (outpatient coverage), we will cover many of the costs not covered by Medicare. CHAMPVA will pay after Medicare and any other insurance, such as Medicare HMOs and Medicare supplemental plans, for health care services and supplies.

CHAMPVA does not pay Medicare Part B premiums.

Although similar, CHAMPVA is a completely separate program with a totally different beneficiary population than TRICARE — a Department of Defense health care program formerly called CHAMPUS.

While the benefits are similar, the programs are administered separately with significant differences in claim filing procedures and preauthorization requirements.

There are a couple ways to obtain an Application for CHAMPVA Benefits, VA Form 10-10d:

Call VHA Office of Integrated Care at 800-733-8387, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
When calling, select the "Application Form" option from the Interactive Voice Response menu.

From the time an application is submitted, how long before I can expect a response from the VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care?

Generally, applicants can expect to receive written notification from the VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care within 45 days after mailing their application. To streamline the process, applicants are encouraged to complete the Application for CHAMPVA Benefits in its entirety and to attach all required documents. As further explained on the application, required documents include a copy of each applicant's Medicare card (if eligible for Medicare) and a School Enrollment Certification Letter for all applicant children between the ages of 18 and 23 years.

Are CHAMPVA benefits available to beneficiaries with other health insurance who choose to receive covered services from a provider who is not in their primary insurance network?

CHAMPVA will deny payment on a claim if the beneficiary’s OHI denied payment because the beneficiary obtained the medical services or supplies outside the OHI (HMO, PPO, and Medicare) provider's plan.

Under the CHAMPVA In-house Treatment Initiative (CITI), CHAMPVA beneficiaries may receive cost-free health care services at participating VA facilities.

Although some VA facilities are not CHAMPVA In-house Treatment Initiative (CITI) participants due to the volume of Veterans they are responsible for serving, many are. To find out if your local facility is participating, view our online CITI Participating Facilities list. However, CHAMPVA beneficiaries who are also covered by Medicare cannot use a VA medical center because Medicare does not pay for services provided by a VA Medical Center.

None. CHAMPVA beneficiaries don’t pay out-of-pocket expenses when receiving services under the CHAMPVA In-house Treatment Initiative (CITI) program.

Generally, applicants can expect to receive written notification from the VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care within 45 days after mailing their application. To streamline the process, applicants are encouraged to complete the Application for CHAMPVA Benefits in its entirety and to attach all required documents. As further explained on the application, required documents include a copy of each applicant's Medicare card (if eligible for Medicare) and a School Enrollment Certification Letter for all applicant children between the ages of 18 and 23 years.

People gather to witness the sunrise or sunset and engage in rituals to honor the sun. It is believed that the sun's energy is at its peak during this time, providing a chance to harness its power for healing and spiritual growth. Samhain, observed on October 31st, is another major Pagan festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to remember and honor ancestors, as the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thinnest on this day. People may create ancestral altars, light candles, and leave offerings to honor their loved ones who have passed away. Yule, held on the winter solstice around December 21st, celebrates the rebirth of the sun. It signifies the gradual return of light and warmth after the darkest day of the year. Festivities often include lighting yule logs, decorating evergreen trees, and exchanging gifts. It is a time to reflect on the cycle of life and find hope in the midst of darkness. In 2023, Pagan festivals will continue to provide a sense of community and connection to the natural world. They offer an opportunity for individuals to embrace their spirituality, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the changing seasons. Whether through bonfires, rituals, or other forms of celebration, these festivals will serve as a reminder of the timeless traditions that have been passed down through generations..

Reviews for "Walking the Labyrinth: Pagan Festivals with Sacred Pilgrimage"

1. Jane - 1 star

I was highly disappointed with the Pagan Festivals 2023. The organization was chaotic, with long lines for everything and a complete lack of direction from the staff. The performance lineup was also underwhelming, with most acts being mediocre at best. The food options were limited and overpriced, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, it was a huge waste of money and I would not recommend attending this festival.

2. David - 2 stars

I had heard great things about the Pagan Festivals in the past, but the 2023 edition fell flat. The venue was overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy the performances or move around. The sound quality was horrendous, with echoes and feedback ruining the atmosphere. Additionally, the food and drink vendors were disorganized, resulting in long wait times and frustration. The only saving grace was the beautiful natural surroundings, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to make up for the overall disappointment of the festival.

3. Emily - 1 star

Attending Pagan Festivals 2023 was a complete letdown. The festival grounds were poorly maintained, with trash scattered everywhere and muddy paths. The lack of basic amenities such as clean restrooms and adequate seating was a major inconvenience. The lineup was also lackluster, with repetitive performances and mediocre talent. I would advise anyone considering going to this festival to save their money and find a better organized and more enjoyable event elsewhere.

4. Mike - 2 stars

The Pagan Festivals 2023 failed to live up to the hype. The event lacked clear signage and organization, making it difficult to navigate and find the stages or attractions. The crowd control was also poor, resulting in overcrowding and making it difficult to enjoy the performances. The food selection was mediocre, and the prices were exorbitant. The overall lack of attention to detail and planning left me feeling unsatisfied and regretful of attending this festival.

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