WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to expand eligible veterans’ access to assisted living services which would save taxpayer dollars. The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act creates a pilot program for eligible veterans to receive assisted living care paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – helping servicemembers live more independently as they age. Currently, VA benefits cover room and board fees at nursing homes, but not for significantly less expensive assisted living care.

“As Maine and America’s servicemembers age, they deserve our continued support to live more autonomously,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act would give older veterans – especially those in rural areas – more flexibility to age with dignity using VA benefits. This is an important, commonsense effort that will save taxpayer dollars by reducing nursing home costs, support the success of assisted living facilities like those available at Maine Veterans’ Homes, and build on America’s solemn commitment to our men and women in uniform. These veterans fought for our nation’s freedom, the least we can do is support theirs.”

“Assisted living offers the right care, in the right location, at the lowest possible cost to ensure veterans have what they need as they age. I applaud Senator King’s efforts and those who are supporting this legislation,” said Sharon Fusco, Maine Veterans’ Homes Chief Executive Officer. “For veterans and their families this bill will mean comfort of care in their communities and in settings which are typically far less expensive than nursing homes. As such, this program is also good for taxpayers. As an organization that proudly cares for those who served, Maine Veterans’ Homes fully supports this proposed legislation and we can’t wait to participate in the program once it is offered!”

“It is imperative that the Department of Veterans Affairs is prepared for the significant influx of veterans expected to become eligible for long-term care over the next two decades,” said Disabled American Veterans National Commander Joe Parsetich. “One way to ensure these veterans are able to live their lives as independently as possible is by providing those whose conditions do not rise to the level of requiring nursing home care with other long-term care options. The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act would create a pilot program for veterans to receive assisted living care paid for by VA and would allow more veterans to continue living with respect and dignity. DAV is pleased to give our support, and we thank the Senators for introducing this important legislation.”

The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act creates a pilot program for eligible veterans at six Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) nationwide, including at least two program sites located in rural or highly rural areas, and at least two sites must be State Veterans’ Homes.  Eligible veterans would receive the appropriate assisted living care they need to be independent paid for by the VA, and, if successful, this pilot could set a model for the VA to expand that service to all qualifying veterans in the future. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Additionally, he recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services.

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