AHCA applauded the introduction of the Veterans Access to
Long Term Care and Health Services Act (S.
1611), legislation introduced last week 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.
If you have any questions on this
issue, please don’t hesitate to contact AHCA’s Dana Halvorson.
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