The U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – Subcommittee on Health recently held a legislative hearing focused on several pieces of pending legislation, including
H.R. 1815 Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act. The hearing included three panels with representatives from various veteran-focused organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act was introduced in the House earlier this spring by U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and David Trone (D-MD). It would expand veterans’ access to assisted living services by creating a pilot program for eligible veterans to receive assisted living care paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate companion bill was introduced in late February.
The fastest growing segment of the veteran population are those over the age of 85, validating the importance of this program. This approach would demonstrate the benefits of assisted living to not only the resident veteran, but to their families and friends. Assisted living offers the best of personal and supportive care services with a team of professionals in a home environment where individuals can continue to live a meaningful life that promotes social engagement, nutrition, and wellbeing.
NCAL supports the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act and will keep members apprised of additional updates.