Senate Bill Would Make It Easier for LTC Facilities to Admit Veterans

A new Senate bill would give veterans easier access to long-term care facilities.

The Veterans Access to Extended Care Act was introduced on March 16. It would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to avoid onerous reporting requirements that often delay or prevent placement in skilled care and other settings, according to McKnight's.

The VA is authorized to enter into contracts with long-term care facilities for veterans, but complicated federal reporting requirements have dissuaded many facilities from admitting them. On the other hand, nursing homes don't face the same difficult reporting requirements when veterans are accepted through the Medicare program.

In 2013, the VA issued a proposed rule that would make VA and CMS reporting requirements the same. The Veterans Access to Extended Care Act would make that permanent.

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