In Washington State and across the country, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced the Planning for Aging Veterans Act to support the long-term care needs of veterans. 

By passing this legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will improve its investments in state veterans’ homes and the care their residents receive. 

“The selfless men and women who served in our military have given so much both at home and overseas. As they retire from the service and get older, it’s critical that we step up as Americans to make sure they have access to every resource to meet their changing health care needs,” Rogers said. “I’m proud to lead the Planning for Aging Veterans Act with Congressman Kilmer to make sure veterans in Washington and across the country have options for long-term care, including in-home and community-based services, which are so important for senior veterans to age comfortably and peacefully. This bill is a small step towards providing the heroes of our country with the retirement care they’ve earned in service to our nation.”

In the VA's health care system, nearly half of the 9 million veterans are at least 65 years old. The estimate is that the number of veterans aged 75 or older will grow by 46% from 2018 to 2028. As veterans age, VA's Community Living Centers, community nursing homes, and state veterans homes will play an increasingly important role in providing long-term care.

The federal government should have your back if you served your country, Kilmer said. “That’s why I’m working to ensure that our brave veterans have the long-term care that they need to live a life with dignity. The Planning for Aging Veterans Act is an important bill to ensure the VA steps up to help ensure all veterans in our region, and in every corner of our country, have the support and care that they have earned and deserve.”

In particular, the Planning for Aging Veterans Act will:

• Require the VA to develop a long-term care plan that addresses the current and future needs of veterans and identifies areas for future investment.  

• The VA should collaborate with public housing authorities and local organizations to assist aging homeless veterans in finding housing and supportive services.

• Across the VA, standardize the process for medical centers and state homes entering into sharing agreements.

• Make sure veterans living in state homes receive their medications without a copayment (as if they lived elsewhere).

• During state home inspections, deficiencies should be reported to the VA and the inspection report posted on the VA website.

• Establish a pilot program for geriatric psychiatry assistance at state homes for veterans.