Why I Voted Yes on H.R. 294

Statement

I voted "Yes" on H.R. 294, the Long-Term Care Veteran Choice Act.

H.R. 294 would establish a three-year Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program for long-term care through non-VA medical foster homes, which are private homes where a caregiver provides around-the-clock services to a small number of individuals. It would permit the VA to enter into contractual agreements with medical foster homes in order to better serve veterans that are unable to live independently, but prefer to be transferred to a medical foster home over other available options. The number of veterans eligible to take part in the program would be capped and the VA would absorb the costs associated with their long-term care at these facilities.

Under current law, medical foster homes are not provided or paid for by the VA. However, these facilities offer veterans that are unable to live fully independent lives with a viable and affordable alternative to larger group homes, which may not fit every veteran's unique needs. The VA already has guidelines to ensure that a medical foster home caregiver is well trained to provide VA planned care and the existing Home Based Primary Care program would be integrated into this three-year pilot program to ensure a continuity of services for our veterans.

America's veterans served this country with great honor and the quality of care they receive should be commensurate with their service and sacrifice. This bill would help ensure that the long-term health care options available to veterans address their needs and maximize their choice.

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