WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), along with Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), introduced the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act, bipartisan legislation to improve health care coordination and management for veterans who qualify for services through Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“This bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward improving care coordination for senior veterans enrolled in both VA services and Medicare,” said Congressman Turner. “By addressing gaps and enhancing access, it ensures our veterans receive the seamless, high-quality care they deserve.”
“Our nation’s veterans risked life and limb in service to our nation, when they hang up their uniform they deserve the highest quality and standard of care,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, too often, I hear from veterans who are frustrated by the lack of coordination between VA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) when they try to access the care they need. This legislation will right that wrong by assigning a case manager to veterans who will create individualized care plans, coordinate the delivery of benefits and services, and help them navigate overly burdensome bureaucracy.”
“Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best delivery of healthcare,” said Congressman Davis. “It’s essential to establish a pilot program to test new ways to assist our veterans.”
“Wounded Warrior Project is pleased to support the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Access Act,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President for Government and Community Relations for the Wounded Warrior Project. “Innovative pilot programs like the one envisioned by this bill help us better understand what's possible in our effort to improve the systems of care that support our nation's heroes. With better case coordination and health care outcomes as the goal, this pilot program can help younger veterans who use Medicare earlier in life because of catastrophic injuries from military service. We thank Representatives Juan Ciscomani, Mike Turner, and Don Davis for their vision and leadership on this issue and urge Congress to pass this important legislation.”
“This bipartisan bill represents a critical step toward addressing the challenges faced by veterans navigating dual enrollment in Medicare and VA services,” said Ted Painter, associate vice president market operations, CareSource Military & Veterans. “It creates a pilot program designed to streamline care and ensure veterans receive the comprehensive, coordinated support they deserve. We are committed to supporting efforts that enhance care coordination and reduce barriers for veterans, giving them more time to focus on what matters - their health and well-being.”
“The VA has many beneficial programs and services that often go unused by veterans and family caregivers because of a lack of holistic and proactive care coordination, especially for those with the most complex needs,” said Steve Schwab, Chief Executive Officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act recognizes this challenge and represents a significant step toward allowing veterans and caregivers to realize the benefit of the VA’s care while alleviating the burden of navigating the agency’s often complex web of services. We thank Congressmen Ciscomani, Turner, and Davis for their introduction of this meaningful legislation and look forward to continued efforts to improve care coordination efforts across the VA.”
“Easterseals is proud to support this bipartisan legislation which helps meet our sacred obligation to take care of our veterans,” said Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals. “Many of our nation’s heroes receive essential services from both Medicare and the VA health system, and this legislation will better ensure that veterans receive coordinated, individualized, and holistic care. As the daughter and wife of veterans, I know the sacrifices veterans have made for us, and they deserve the best care and support possible.”
“Many veterans with disabilities rely on both VA health care and Medicare to meet their healthcare needs,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). “This can lead to a duplication of care, poor coordination of services, higher costs; and in the worst of cases, endangers the health and wellbeing of the veteran. PVA supports the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act, which tests VA’s ability to coordinate and manage care and benefits between these two systems for covered veterans.”
Background:
Many veterans over the age of 65 and those who are disabled are enrolled in both Medicare and the VA. Oftentimes, due to a lack of coordination between agencies, dual enrollment can lead to challenges and result in fragmented and more expensive care.
The Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act would create a three-year pilot program to better coordinate, navigate, and manage health care benefits for veterans enrolled in both systems by assigning a case manager to develop individualized health care plans that best suit the needs of that veteran as well as ensure the proper delivery of those services.
This legislation is supported by the following organizations: the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, CareSource Military and Veterans, and Easterseals.
The full bill text can be found here.