Recently, the US Senate passed new legislation that impacts on veteran care. The bill, known as S2373 or the VA Mission Act of 2018, expands on long-term care and post-acute care (LT/PAC) options. Here are some insights into what this bill means, and the changes veterans can expect, from a leading elder law attorney in New Jersey.
New Care Program and Reimbursement Process for Veterans
Having been passed by both Houses of Congress, it will be signed into law to create the Veterans Community Care program and set in place a new claim reimbursement process that will come into action in 2019.
Currently, there is a disparity between Medicare Parts A and B or Medicaid providers who were not considered to be federal contractors. Current providers with VA patients are considered to be federal contractors and as such, have to comply with regulations in the Service Contract Act which are more complex and rigorous than those required by Medicare and Medicaid regulations. The VA Mission Act of 2018 will aim to solve this issue, removing excessive relations, red tape and legal issues to ensure that there are more LT/PAC options like nursing home care, home and community-based care/services available to providers and veterans that meet Medicare and Medicaid compliance.
Other key provisions of the proposed law include increasing access to long-term care options for veterans in their home communities, ensuring better access to friends and family. Caregiver benefits are also going be expanded to include all veterans regardless of when they served their country, where previously it only included post 9/11 veterans. The 30-day/40-mile rule which often required veterans to travel long distances to access their care benefits will also be removed.
Care-related services through the VA will also be streamlined, ensuring that currently enrolled vets who have accessed the VA healthcare system in the last 2 years will automatically gain access to community clinics, that VA providers who do not treat veterans are removed from the system, and that the VA will be required to schedule appointments in a timely manner.
Want to Find Out More? Speak to a Leading Elder Law Attorney in New Jersey
This bill is an attempt to simplify and streamline a system that has long been criticized for being overly complicated, helping to ensure that veterans receive the care they need in a way that is timely, easier and based within local communities. To find out more about how these changes will affect you or a loved one, speak to your elder law attorney.
Frank R. Campisano is highly experienced and compassionate elder law attorney in New Jersey with considerable knowledge of veterans’ benefits, including assisting with applications, appeals and other Veterans and elder law issues. In addition to this assistance, he can help you with navigating issues around estate planning, as well as drawing up other legal documents including a Power of Attorney, Last Will and Testament, Medical Directive and more.
For a free consultation, please contact us today and speak to Frank R. Campisano or visit our website at https://www.scclegal.com/