WASHINGTON, DC  – In anticipation of a vote in the House of Representatives soon, the National PACE Association (NPA) urges Congress to pass the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542) so veterans can enjoy the best quality of life possible as they age.

Earlier this year, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs voted unanimously to advance the legislation, which would establish formal partnerships between Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) that are within the service area of a PACE program, broadly increasing access for veterans to the innovative model of care.

NPA commended the bill sponsor,  Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, for her strong and tireless leadership on this important  legislation, as well as lead co-sponsor Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI-1), Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chair Mike Bost (R-IL-12), and ranking member Mark Takano (D-CA-39) for their efforts to help more veterans receive needed care at home and in the community.

“There is a substantial, documented, mutually beneficial history regarding the use of PACE by certain eligible veterans,” NPA said in testimony last year in support of the bill. “The PACE model of care was proven by the VA to have significant value in terms of outcomes and costs. Veterans were able to remain living safely in their homes, where they wanted to be, leading to increased veteran and family satisfaction. The quality of care and coordination with the VA were outstanding, and the cost of PACE care to the VA was less than a nursing home placement.”

“Why wouldn’t we do all that we can to provide our veterans with comprehensive health care that allows them to remain in their own homes and out of nursing homes?” asked Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of NPA. “We owe our veterans the best care possible, and PACE is a proven model that also reduces cost burdens for states and individuals.”

The National PACE Association (NPA) works to advance the efforts of PACE programs, which coordinate and provide preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so older individuals can continue living in the community. The PACE model of care is centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community whenever possible. For more information, visit www.NPAonline.org and follow @TweetNPA.