The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 18.

This legislation proposes a comprehensive update and overhaul to modernize services available to veterans. Updates include focuses on mental and behavioral health support, updates to programs serving aging and disabled veterans, training and educational programs, and supplemental oversight to improve program integrity.

LeadingAge joined a November 13 coalition letter specifically focusing on the bill’s inclusion of assisted living as an available setting for veterans under a pilot program. The bill also includes addition of PACE as a mandatory option for veterans meeting eligibility criteria in areas where PACE programs are in service. The bill, should it pass the Senate and be signed into law, would provide opportunities across our membership to better reach and serve veterans. The text of the bill can be reviewed here.