House Passes Bill That Will Provide Veterans with Increased Access to PACE

WASHINGTON, DC – Nov. 18, 2023 – The National PACE Association (NPA) today said that passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by the U.S. House of Representatives will give veterans increased access to Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) across the nation.
“NPA applauds the definitive action of the House to dramatically increase the ability of veterans to enroll in local PACE programs through their VA benefits and age in place,” 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 as other seniors.”
He said NPA commends the efforts of House Veterans’ Affairs Committee chair Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and ranking member Mark Takano (D-CA-39) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee chair Jon Tester (D-MT) and ranking member Jerry Moran (R-KS) in working together on compromise language so the bill could move forward in the 118th Congress. "We strongly urge the Senate to take up the Dole Act swiftly in the coming days,” Bloom said.
Under current law, not all veterans have ready access to home and community-based services (HCBS). A section of the bill sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6), would ensure that any veteran who has health care benefits under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is eligible for and needs HCBS, including long-term care services and supports (LTSS), would be able to receive such care and services at home, including through (PACE).
Providing care at home and in the community enhances the quality of life for veterans, their families and their caregivers and reduces VA health expenditures. Generally, the cost of HCBS is notably less than institutional care. According to the VA, the use of HCBS creates additional savings by delaying admission to a nursing home or avoiding the admission altogether, as well as lowering the risk of preventable hospitalizations.
“Our nation has a duty to our veterans to provide them with the best care possible through their VA health benefits, and PACE is proven to provide high-quality care and reduce caregiver burden while being cost-efficient," said Bloom. "NPA’s 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. We congratulate Congress for the changes this bill will make and look forward to continuing to work with them so that all older adults will have affordable access to PACE."