Political Quotes

“I am particularly pleased with this package because it also includes legislation that I have been working on for well over 2 years that will ensure that our severely disabled and elderly veterans are able to get the care they need. Specifically, my bill requires the VA to enter into contracts or provider agreements with State Veterans Nursing Homes in order to get the reimbursement that they adequately need to take care of our veterans. Without this legislation, State Veterans Homes will not get reimbursed properly for the services they provide for our veterans. According to data from the National Association of State Veterans Homes, the average rate for care is roughly $359 per veteran per day, while VA only reimburses the homes $235 per day. This difference of $124 per day amounts to over $45,000 per year for each covered veteran. And with approximately 25,000 beds nationwide, the financial burden on State Veterans Homes could become crippling. Passing this legislation into law will ensure that our State Veterans Homes are paid adequately for the services they provide and can continue to serve our veterans that are in need of those services. I want to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Filner for their support of this bill and for working to bring this legislation to the floor. Our veterans will be better off as a result.…”