02/07/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/08/2023 19:55
(U.S. Senate) - Continuing his push to improve rural veterans' access to health care, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester introduced the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Actalongside U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). This legislation would expand home and community-based services for aging veterans as well as improve support for veterans and caregivers of all ages from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"In rural states like Montana where folks often have to travel great distances for health care services, making sure our aging and disabled veterans have access to convenient and quality long-term care options is critical," said Tester. "That's why I'm proud to join my colleagues in our bipartisan effort to provide veterans the flexibility to be cared for by their loved ones or providers of their choosing, from the comfort of their own home."
"Senator Elizabeth Dole represents the millions of caregivers who have worked behind the scenes to care for our nation's veterans who are impacted by advanced age or catastrophic injuries," said Moran. "Caregivers help veterans maintain their independence and stay in their own homes in their own communities for as long as possible as they age. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act expands access to home and community-based services. It is fitting we name this legislation after an honorary Kansan - Elizabeth Dole - who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers."
"Senators Moran and Tester are longstanding champions of military caregivers and have brought caregiver issues to the forefront as leaders of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee over the last decade," said Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. "We are heartened by the 118th Congress's dedication to this critical population and continue to urge Congress to provide caregivers with the support and relief they deserve."
Among its many provisions, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would: