On December 19, 2017, the
U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Veterans’ Affairs considered
and approved legislation by a vote of 14-9 entitled the
VA Care in the Community Act (H.R. 4242). This legislation
establishes a veterans community care program, and ensures that extended care
providers, including nursing centers, can legally enter into VA Provider
Agreements. As noted in previous AHCA communications, the Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs marked up their version of the
legislation last month entitled Caring
for our Veterans Act of 2017.
As you may know, AHCA endorses legislation introduced
earlier this year entitled, the
Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act (S. 1611/H.R. 4113). This legislation, introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Mike
Rounds (R-SD) and by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-ME-02), would ensure that
extended care providers, including nursing centers, can legally enter into VA
Provider Agreements, and would be subject to the same rules and regulations as
any other Medicare or Medicaid provider. Under S. 1611/H.R. 4113, the
number of facilities serving veterans will increase in most markets once qualified
providers are able to enter into VA Provider Agreements, broadening options
among veterans for nursing center care and home and community-based
services. Both the U.S. Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs
approved legislation noted above includes some, but not all, of the provisions
from the Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act.
AHCA will keep its members apprised of next steps as work
continues on the Hill efforts around VA Provider Agreements. If you have
any questions, please contact AHCA’s Senior Director of Not for Profit &
Constituent Services, Dana Halvorson.
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