Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Senators Shaheen and Hassan to Support Veterans Signed into Law by President Trump
WASHINGTON – Today, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan to promote better care for veterans was signed into law by President Trump. The State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act would enable veterans who are living in their own homes to receive certain services at their residences through state veterans homes, while also cutting costs and increasing the standard of living for veterans who need specialized medical assistance.
“Our veterans put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country and our way of life, and this law will help ensure that no veteran is denied the health services they depend on because of where they choose to live,” said Senator Shaheen. “This bipartisan effort will allow our brave service members to receive the medical care of our New Hampshire Veterans Home whether or not they reside there, and that flexibility will benefit both our veterans and the families and caregivers who support them every day. I am pleased that we were able to work across the aisle to deliver this cost-cutting law to improve the medical care for the men and women who fought for all of us.”
“We must ensure that our veterans who have sacrificed bravely in defense of our freedoms have access to the health care they need, and the New Hampshire Veterans Home provides invaluable services to make that happen,” Senator Hassan said. “Regardless of whether our veterans choose to live at home with their families or are on the waiting list for the New Hampshire Veterans Home, it is critical that they receive the health care services they require. I am pleased that President Trump has signed this common-sense bipartisan bill into law to allow the Veterans Home to provide additional services to veterans who are not residents at the facility and to cut costs and improve the standard of care for our veterans who need specialized medical assistance.”
“I’m thrilled this bipartisan bill has been signed into law, and I thank Senators Shaheen and Hassan for supporting this important legislation that will give us the flexibility needed to provide comprehensive health care services at the New Hampshire Veterans Home to veterans who choose to be with their families at home or are unable to reside at our facility,” said Peggy LaBrecque, New Hampshire Veterans Home Commandant. “At the New Hampshire Veterans Home we are fully committed to supporting the health and well-being of the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country, and this law is a step forward in supporting those efforts.”
The State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act would allow qualifying veterans (70 percent or more service-connected disabled) to receive adult-day medical model care. This model of care allows veterans to receive the same care as living in a nursing home while allowing them to live at home and stay connected with their families; provides respite for veterans’ families while veterans are at daily care for up to eight hours a day; and provides respite for caregivers that are currently administering 24-hour care for veterans living at home.
Health professionals and policy experts agree that when it comes to long-term care, adult day health care costs less and supports an equal or higher standard of living compared to nursing home care. This bill is supported by The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Association, and the National Association of State Veterans Homes.
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