Wichita Standard

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas has expressed approval following the Senate's passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. As a ranking member and incoming chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Sen. Moran highlighted the significance of this legislation, named in honor of Senator Elizabeth Dole for her lifelong dedication to veterans.

Senator Moran stated, "It is fitting that this important legislation is named after an honorary Kansan, Senator Elizabeth Dole, who is a lifelong advocate for veterans and their caregivers." He noted that the act aims to enhance support for veterans by improving access to VA healthcare and benefits, expanding long-term care programs, and strengthening initiatives for student veterans and military family members.

The senator acknowledged contributions from various stakeholders: "I appreciate the veterans, caregivers, survivors, veterans service organizations and advocates who shared their experiences with me." However, he also expressed disappointment over the bill not addressing residential care access for mental health or substance use issues. As incoming chairman, Sen. Moran pledged to prioritize these needs.

The legislative package includes several bills sponsored by Sen. Moran:

- The Veterans’ Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023 aims to improve community care outreach while ensuring medical agreements between veterans and providers are respected.

- The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act increases coverage costs for non-institutional nursing home alternatives.

- The Love Lives on Act allows surviving spouses continued education benefit eligibility upon remarriage.

- The RESPECT Act authorizes contracts or grants to enhance mental health support for family caregivers.

- The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act introduces a pilot program providing assisted living services in rural areas.

- The VA Medical Center Security Report Act mandates annual security surveys at VA facilities.

These efforts underscore ongoing legislative commitments toward enhancing veteran care and services across multiple domains.