NPA Applauds Senate Passage of Dole Act, Urges House to Pass Amended Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Dec. 13, 2024 – The National PACE Association (NPA) said the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act passed last night by the U.S. Senate will give veterans increased access to Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) across the nation. The association urges the House of Representatives to quickly pass the amended bill.

“This bill will dramatically expand the options available to our veterans who want to age in place,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of NPA. "NPA applauds the Senate for passing the bill, which will empower veterans to enroll in local PACE programs through their VA benefits. We are pleased that now both houses of Congress have recognized that older veterans with VA health benefits should have the same access to home and community-based services as other seniors.”

NPA commended the efforts of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee chair Jon Tester (D-MT) and ranking member Jerry Moran (R-KS) in working together so the bill could move forward in the 118th Congress. "We strongly urge the House to act quickly to pass the amended bill so President Biden can sign it into law before the end of his term,” said Bloom. NPA members can encourage their representatives to vote yes on the Dole Act by taking action now.

Under current law, not all veteran have ready access to home and community-based services (HCBS). A section of the Dole Act, which was 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 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 and by 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,” Bloom said. "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 seeking the changes this bill will make and look forward to continuing to work with them so all older adults will have affordable access to PACE."

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.