Mon Dec 16 12:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Veterans to Gain Assisted Living Option Through New Pilot Program

**Washington, D.C.** – A bipartisan bill offering veterans access to assisted living care through a federal pilot program is poised to become law. The Senate unanimously passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act on Thursday, following its House passage in November. The bill now awaits reconciliation between the House and Senate versions before heading to President Biden’s desk.

Senior living associations expressed cautious optimism that the bill will be signed into law before the end of the year. The legislation includes provisions from the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long-Term Care Act, authorizing a three-year pilot program providing assisted living services to 60 veterans. The program will test the effectiveness and satisfaction of assisted living care for veterans and will include geographically diverse locations, including rural and state-based facilities.

Participants will have the option to continue receiving care at the program’s conclusion at VA expense. Industry leaders, including Argentum, the National Center for Assisted Living, the American Seniors Housing Association, and LeadingAge, hailed the legislation as a significant step forward in providing veterans with more long-term care choices. They highlighted the bill as a “win-win,” benefiting both veterans and the senior living industry by demonstrating the value of assisted living.

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), incoming chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, emphasized the pilot program as a key legislative priority. While the bill’s swift passage is anticipated, failure to reconcile the House and Senate versions before the end of the current Congressional session would necessitate reintroduction next year.

Read More