H.R.8371 – Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act

On May 15, Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), with the support of U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Chairman and Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), introduced The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R.8371), an omnibus package that includes key provisions taken from the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act.

HCAOA and members advocated strongly for the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. The House passed the Elizabeth Dole Act in December, but the legislation has since languished in the Senate.

H.R. 8371 is the product of months of negotiation between leaders of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committees. The legislation includes priorities of several bills into one legislative vehicle.

“The original Elizabeth Dole Act was a small piece of legislation. By incorporating into a larger piece of legislation, it increases its odds of getting passed into law,” said Eric Reinarman, HCAOA VP Government Relations. 

A top advocacy issue for HCAOA has been to increase the reimbursement threshold from the cap of 65% of nursing home reimbursement to 100%. On the heels of HCAOA’s advocacy day, we are pleased to see the continued commitment to increasing the threshold to 100%. 

In addition, HCAOA is examining the impact of several other provisions, for example, but not limited to a pilot program for increasing the workforce in areas deemed as having a shortage; implementation of a Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program to increase services for veterans; and increased capabilities for home- and community-based services.

HCAOA will continue to work with both sides of the aisle and both Senate and House leadership to advocate for our industry and our legislative priorities as this legislation is brought forth for a vote.