Washington D.C. (Photo: Thuan Vo)
Today in Washington, D.C., The American Legion, along with several other Veteran service organizations, gathered to advocate for the passage of H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
Chanin Nuntavong, Executive Director of The American Legion’s Government Affairs Office, joined former Senator Elizabeth Dole and representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Military Officers Association of America, and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. They collectively voiced the urgent need for this legislation, which includes bipartisan and bicameral proposals to reform and improve the VA’s healthcare, benefits, and services for Veterans and their families.
The bill aims to expand economic opportunities for Veterans, offer them more choices in healthcare and living arrangements in their later years, improve mental health support for caregivers, and ensure that the VA remains accountable to both taxpayers and Veterans. These changes promise significant positive impacts for Veterans and their families.
Nuntavong shared the story of Dan and Jeri McKeaney, who were saved by Emergency Air Medical Services after a motorcycle accident. He pointed out that Section 143 of the bill ensures essential funding for rural air ambulance services, which are crucial for emergency healthcare in rural areas.
Key provisions of H.R. 8371
Increasing Home-Based Care Resources
Expanding access to home and community-based services at VA medical centers, allowing severely ill and aging Veterans to receive care at home instead of in institutions.
Improving Access to Care
Ensuring that decisions made between Veterans and their VA providers about seeking community care are honored and enhancing access to residential rehabilitation programs for mental health and substance use disorders.
Honoring the Fallen
Expanding education benefits for surviving families and removing outdated regulations that penalize surviving spouses.
Supporting Homeless Veterans
Raising grants for Veteran homelessness providers and offering rideshares to Veterans for medical, housing, and employment appointments.
Caring for Caregivers
Creating mental health care grants for caregivers who are strained by their responsibilities and providing advocacy pathways for Veteran families.
Nuntavong also discussed “Gerald’s Law” in Section 30, which extends burial support to Veterans who choose to spend their final days at home. This section honors Gerald Elliott, a Veteran who faced the difficult choice of spending his last days in a hospital or at home with his family.
He pointed out the educational and employment benefits of H.R. 8371, mentioning the success of the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses,VET-TEC program, which has helped 14,000 Veterans gain skills for tech careers. Without the bill, programs like VET-TEC are at risk.
Former Senator Dole called on Congress to act swiftly, noting the bipartisan nature of the bill and the essential reforms it offers. Nuntavong ended by stressing the critical need for passing this legislation to prevent reduced services and opportunities for Veterans and their families.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
