Argentum Urges Action in Senate and House to Pass Legislation to Open More Senior Living Options to Vets
Senior living advocacy leader Argentum is acting on two fronts to gain support in this lame-duck session of Congress to approve legislation that offers common-sense steps to make it easier for U.S. veterans to access long-term care supportive services.
In a letter sent on Nov. 29, Argentum and its coalition partners asked leaders of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee from both parties to support H.R. 8750, “Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act.” The legislation, introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), creates a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing eligible veterans with the option to move into an assisted living community for their supportive care services.
This action is taking place in conjunction with Argentum urging the Senate to include companion legislation spearheaded by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in any end-year omnibus package.
“It is time to give our veterans fresh options for their long-term care. Argentum sees these two pieces of legislation as the start to making it easier for veterans to explore senior living communities as potential homes, and urge lawmakers to get behind the effort,” said James Balda, Argentum President and CEO.
Senior living is an integral part of the long-term care continuum, offering round-the-clock care for our nation’s most vulnerable seniors—from eating and bathing, to walking and taking medications. It is also a highly cost-effective care solution, averaging $4,300 per month compared to more than $8,800 per month for skilled nursing or $4,500 per month for a home health aide to provide limited services.
The problem is that many veterans cannot access assisted living because of restrictions by the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibiting funds from going toward room and board fees at assisted living facilities.
The coalition letter to the House Veterans’ Affairs panel was signed by Argentum, American Seniors Housing Association, LeadingAge, and the National Center for Assisted Living.
Original source can be found here
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