More Than 40 Veterans and Elder Care Organizations Support Dole Act
Legislation that the National PACE Association (NPA) continues to advocate for is garnering support by a growing number of organizations, including more than 40 veteran service, homelessness prevention and elder care advocacy groups.
The bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141/H.R. 8371) is sponsored by U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. View the NPA Issue Brief about the Dole Act.
The Dole Act would reform and improve the delivery of health care, benefits and services at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, their families and their survivors. Among the proposals are expanding economic opportunities for veterans, giving them more choice in where they receive health care, and improving mental health support for their caregivers. The bill specifically calls for coordination with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), requiring the VA to enter into an agreement with a PACE program if it is operating in a geographical region where a veteran is seeking services.
Among the organizations that support the legislation are the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, VFW National Legislative Service, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Officers Association of America, Student Veterans of America, Reserve Officers Association, National Association of Veteran Program Administrators, U.S.VETS, National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, and Nation's Finest.
You can view the full list of supporters.
"The National PACE Association applauds the introduction of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which will dramatically increase the ability of veterans to enroll in PACE through their VA benefits,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of NPA. "We are pleased Congress has recognized that older veterans with VA health benefits should have the same access to home and community-based services, such as PACE, as other seniors."to
He said the PACE model of care “has been shown 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 at a lower cost to the department than a nursing home placement.”
Bloom stated, "Our nation has a duty to our veterans to provide them with the best care possible through their VA health benefits, and NPA commends the leadership of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs’ committees for expanding access to this innovative model of care. Our member PACE organizations always have been proud to serve veterans and are eager to help more receive needed care in their preferred setting – their homes and communities.”
NPA encourages all its members to contact their senators to co-sponsor this vital piece of legislation.