Dayton Reporter

In Washington, D.C., Congressmen Mike Turner (OH-10), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Don Davis (NC-01) have introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at improving healthcare coordination for veterans. The Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act seeks to enhance the management of healthcare services for veterans eligible through both Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Congressman Turner stated, "This bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward improving care coordination for senior veterans enrolled in both VA services and Medicare." He emphasized that the act aims to address existing gaps and improve access to ensure seamless, high-quality care.

Congressman Ciscomani highlighted issues faced by veterans in accessing coordinated care: "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." He pointed out frustrations with coordination between VA and CMS, noting that this legislation intends to rectify these issues by assigning case managers to assist veterans.

Congressman Davis remarked on the importance of testing new methods through a pilot program: "Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best delivery of healthcare."

Jose Ramos from the Wounded Warrior Project expressed support for the bill, stating that it could lead to better case coordination and health outcomes. Ted Painter from CareSource Military & Veterans also endorsed the initiative as a crucial step towards addressing challenges faced by dual-enrolled veterans.

Steve Schwab from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation noted that many beneficial VA programs remain underutilized due to lack of proactive care coordination. He commended the proposed act as a significant move towards alleviating these burdens.

Kendra Davenport from Easterseals praised the bipartisan effort, emphasizing its potential impact on providing holistic care. Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America supported the act's focus on managing care between systems to prevent duplication and inefficiencies.

The act proposes a three-year pilot program assigning case managers to develop individualized health plans for enrolled veterans. It is backed by organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, CareSource Military & Veterans, and Easterseals.