The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is holding a hearing today to consider pending legislation, including S. 495, the
Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act. The hearing includes two panels with representatives from various veteran-focused organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) – in collaboration with the American Seniors Housing Association, Argentum, and LeadingAge –
sent a letter to Committee Chairman Jon Tester and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (who sponsor the bill) regarding this important legislation. The letter provided background on the aging veteran population and why it is vital to ensure veterans receive the long term care they need.
“Our veteran population is aging rapidly, as are their long-term care needs. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, roughly half of the 9 million veterans currently enrolled in veterans’ health care programs are 65 or older. Over the next decade, the number of veterans aged 75 or older is expected to approach 3 million. The number of veterans aged 85 or older receiving care from VA health services is expected to grow by 535% over the next 20 years.
“Long-term care and assisted living communities are home to two million seniors, of which 42% are veterans or their spouses. We believe that assisted living offers the best of personal and supportive care services with a team of professionals in a home environment that promotes social engagement, nutrition, and wellbeing. We are confident that, if passed, S. 495 will demonstrate the benefits of assisted living not only to veterans, but to their families as well, offering additional options to our veterans in their time of need.”
This hearing follows one held on June 7, “An Abiding Commitment to Those Who Served: Examining Veterans’ Access to Long Term Care,” where Ms. Carla Wilton, Chief Operating Officer of Immanuel Lutheran Communities shared her support for the legislation. She told the committee that “this important legislation would create a commonsense approach to identifying and securing greater options and opportunities for Montana veterans to access important supportive long term care services.”
The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act 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. 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 bipartisan and bicameral Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act and will continue to provide updates as they are available.