VETERANS ASSOCIATION VICTORY: AGREEMENT REACHED ON LEGISLATION
There will be new changes for the Veterans Association. Its caregiver program, veteran homelessness support, electronic health records program, and other branches will experience all of this. A bicameral agreement that was revealed earlier this month to advance a slew of legislative measures that have been delayed. The Benefits Improvement Act and Senator Elizabeth Dole's 21st Century Veterans Healthcare will combine several bills. It aims to support services that will benefit Vets and their families. The House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, Sen. Jerry Moran, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, and the top Republican on the Senate committee have made an agreement to push this through during the summer.
Improvement of the Veterans Advocacy and Benefits Association
Bost even mentioned in a statement that they have been eyeing the woes of the US Veterans Association over the past year and a half. Furthermore, they have considered improving the VA's services since then; this will provide:
- More economic opportunities.
- They will be free to choose where to live, receive healthcare, have better mental health support, and more.
- Expanding VA-funded home and community-based nursing care services will significantly help disabled and aging Veterans. They can access them at any of the country's VA medical centers. They can also use the official VA location tool.
- The bill will also mandate that the US Veterans Association offer alternative programs for Veterans' families if they are removed from the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program. This usually provides financial support to family members who act as caregivers to Vets. Many families are in line for disqualification due to the new eligibility rules. However, the VA has halted any actions until 2025 and will examine the criteria.
Several Veterans' legislations have been put on hold this season, although many bills have gained bipartisan support. This happened because legislators have worked out ways to pay for the bills' costs.
New Opportunities for the US Veterans Association Program
The bill also has new aims, including healthcare funding from non-VA doctors; here are some of the new improvements:
- Healthcare: Under the new structure, the department would be banned from overriding a referral of a VA doctor for their patient to get outside care. Plus, the Veterans Association must now perform outreach. This is to let Vets know they can get outside care.
- Upgraded System: Under the electronic health records program, the bill will authorize the department to shift away from the VA Oracle Cerner system. The Veterans Advocacy and Benefits Association has since paused the use of the system at its facilities. This will allow them to fix and work on system glitches since several lawmaker and watchdog reports learned about patient safety issues. The VA will then have time to update its electronic health records system by establishing a new program or making changes. Further, the new system will also formally describe the roles of the deputy VA secretary, assistant secretary for information, and under-secretary for health.
- Better Opportunity: Hopes to reduce veteran homelessness are also under the bill. The Veterans Association will be able to provide homeless vets with free transportation. This is so that they can get to jobs, medical appointments, or support programs. The department will also be able to fund clothing, hygiene products, food, and other items they may need.
- Increased Allowances: Per diem rates will also be increased, and the VA can shoulder associations providing short-term transitional lodging from 115% to 133% of costs. The department can go as high as 200% in high-cost areas.
The Veterans Association Program Still Has Room to Grow
Tester added that although legislation has been passed in the past year, there's still room for improvement in providing benefits for Veterans and their families. Improving Veterans' access to various care, support, and services will give them a sense of progress toward receiving what they deserve. Further, Veterans will also get high-tech job training that will run until 2026; GI benefits payback, and disability claims automation, which is more accessible. Suggested reads:
- The Veterans Guide to Navigating the Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season
- 6 Veteran Charities You Need to Know About For Jobs
Image source: VA