Bipartisan Legislation Cosponsored by Senators Shaheen and Hassan to Promote Better Care for Veterans Passes the Senate

WASHINGTON -  Last week, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to promote better care for veterans unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. 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 state veterans homes. The bill would also cut costs and increase the standard of living for veterans needing specialized medical assistance.

"Our men and women in uniform bravely serve our country, and we owe them the care and support they need when they get home," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “I’m pleased this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate, as it will help give veterans added flexibility to remain in their communities and receive convenient care at home. We must continue to work to ensure all Granite State veterans receive the quality, accessible care they deserve.”

“The New Hampshire Veterans Home has a long history of providing invaluable services and care to Granite Staters who have sacrificed bravely to defend our freedoms,” Senator Maggie Hassan said. “We also know that there are many veterans who may want to live in their own homes or are on the waiting list for the New Hampshire Veterans Home, and this bipartisan bill would allow the Veterans Home to provide additional services to veterans who are not residents at the facility. I am encouraged that this bipartisan bill has unanimously passed the Senate, and I call on the House of Representatives to quickly send it to the President’s desk.”

“State veterans homes are essential to the health and well-being of the men and women who have served in our military, and our job is to ensure that we are providing the best care possible,” said NH Veterans Home Commandant Peggy LaBrecque. “The State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act would help give us the flexibility we need to provide comprehensive medical care services at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home for certain veterans who experience disabilities while they continue to live in their own home with their families – an important step that would enable our veterans who experience the most severe disabilities receive the care they deserve. I am grateful for the leadership of Senators Shaheen and Hassan on this issue, and look forward to seeing this legislation become law.”

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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