Senate Passes Legislation With Assisted Living Provisions For Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill that includes provisions for more long-term care options, including assisted living, for military veterans. 

Senators Jon Tester (D-Montana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) and Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin) led support of the legislation known as H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Act. 

In addition to other proposals to enhance the delivery of services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the bill features the Expanding Veteran’s Options for Long Term Care Act, which includes the creation of a pilot program that will authorize the VA to provide assisted living residences for aging and disabled veterans. 

The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) spearheaded lobbying efforts throughout the legislative process, with support from Argentum, LeadingAge, National Center for Assisted Living and the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement. 

Jeanne McGlynn Delgado, ASHA vice president of government affairs, praised the legislation as a win-win situation for veterans and the senior living industry. 

“While a small pilot program, veterans will for the first time have the option of Veterans Administration (VA) paid assisted living for their residential care,” says Delgado. “Senior living operators who participate in the program will have the ability to clearly demonstrate the value and myriad benefits of assisted living to the veteran population and their overall well-being.”

Previously passed by the House, the bill will return to House representatives for another vote, given a few technical corrections. According to Delgado, President Biden is expected to sign the legislation once it leaves the House, though it is unclear when that will happen.

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