Kiyoshi Tanno/iStock/Getty Images The president signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act into law Jan. 2, after years of arduous advocacy by MOAA and more than 40 other veterans organizations. This landmark bipartisan bill, representing more than 90 pieces of legislation developed throughout the 118th Congress, provides significant relief to veterans and their families by expanding benefits, enhancing services, and improving long-term care solutions.
“This is a momentous day for the veterans’ community and for the health and well-being of our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). “The Dole Act’s passage is a testament to what can be achieved when advocates, policymakers, and the veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers work together to support those who have served.”
Leaders of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees in the 118th Congress — chairmen Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), along with ranking members Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) — played pivotal roles in advancing the Dole Act to its successful conclusion.
Bost praised the law for addressing veterans’ needs, not adding to government bureaucracy.
“From expanding job training opportunities for transitioning servicemembers and veterans, to improving mental health care for caregivers, to protecting veterans’ healthcare options for day-to-day services to more elderly care options, and much more in between – I know this legislation will make a difference for veterans and their families,” Bost said.
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The act honors former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a lifelong advocate and champion for veterans and their caregivers. It advances her efforts and addresses some of the most critical issues facing veterans, their caregivers, and the broader community today.
Some key benefits of the legislation: Home Care and Caregiver Support
Full Coverage for Home Nursing Care: Increases the VA’s share of home nursing care costs from 65% to 100%, expanding access to these essential services.Mental Health Grants for Caregivers: Provides grants and contracts to mental health service providers for family caregivers.Streamlined Application […]
Dole Act Becomes Law: What It Means to Veterans and Caregivers
