AHCA Supports the Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act

AHCA applauds the introduction of the Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act (S. 1611), legislation introduced by Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to expand veterans’ access to health care services.

S. 1611 would ensure that extended care providers, including nursing center care, could legally enter into VA Provider Agreements, and would only be subject to the same rules and regulations as any other Medicare or Medicaid provider.  The ability for qualified providers to enter such agreements would facilitate services for veterans closer to the veterans’ homes and community support structures.  Once qualified providers have the ability to enter into VA Provider Agreements, the number of facilities serving veterans will increase in most markets, expanding the options among veterans for nursing center care and home and community-based services.

Earlier this year, Hoeven secured a commitment from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Dr. David Shulkin to work together on this effort.  Additionally, as a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, Hoeven recently secured a provision in the Fiscal Year 2018 VA funding bill expressing congressional support for allowing non-VA long-term care facilities to enter into provider agreements with the VA.