MOAA joined with fellow veterans advocacy groups and key congressional staffers at a recent VA nurses convention to discuss legislative priorities and other critical issues affecting VA health care and benefits for veterans, their families, and caregivers – including vital legislation Congress must move forward as part of its post-election session.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Comprehensive VA Health Care]

During a panel discussion at the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) annual meeting in Virginia Beach, Va., this month, MOAA stressed the need for a strong and resilient VA health care system. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is not just a health care provider; it is a vital partner in the broader health care landscape across the country.  

The historic PACT Act, passed in 2022, expanded benefits and services to millions of veterans and family members – the largest such expansion in VA history. However, this influx has placed additional strain on the VHA, increasing staff workloads, shifting more care to community providers, and driving up health care costs.

Cmdr. René Campos, USN (Ret), MOAA’s senior director for Government Relations, second from left, joins veterans groups and House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee staff to discuss VA health care priorities during the recent Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs meeting in Virginia Beach, Va. (Courtesy Photo)

[RELATED: 1 Million Veterans Have Now Received Health Benefits for Toxic Exposure Through the PACT Act]

Even though the veteran population is projected to decrease by 8% from FY 2019 to FY 2035, the number of veterans aged 85 and older enrolled in VA health care is expected to rise by a staggering 73%. Although the VA has made strides in expanding home and community-based services, long-term care, and caregiver support, the demand far outpaces current access and expansion efforts.

MOAA will continue to prioritize these life-saving services, advocating for funding to modernize VHA’s workforce and human resource support systems, as well as improving facility infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of veterans and VA staff.

[RELATED: On the Hill: MOAA Outlines Key Priorities in Testimony Before Joint Veterans Panel]

Nurse Concerns

Frontline nurses highlighted several pressing issues within the VA health care system, including:

• Staff Safety: Ensuring a secure environment in medical facilities for staff and patients.
• Staffing Shortages: Addressing the urgent need for sufficient staffing to meet veterans’ needs.
• Facility Infrastructure: Maintaining and upgrading VA facilities to create environments where medical staff want to work and veterans wish to receive care.
• Leadership Accountability: Holding leaders responsible for tackling staffing shortages and workforce issues.
• Funding Shortfalls: The need for consistent and adequate funding to deliver high-quality health care and address workforce and facility needs.
• Community Care Challenges: With approximately 40% of care now provided in the community, concerns arise over rising costs and the diminishing role of VA’s direct care system.

Stalled Legislation Requires Your Action Now

Staff members from both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees discussed their work on many of these issues and joined MOAA, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) in their desire to get legislation signed into law before the end of this Congress.

One key measure MOAA is focused on is the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at improving the lives of veterans, caregivers, and survivors. It remains stalled in Congress after lawmakers left town for the November elections.

Now is the time for Congress to act on this vital legislation. Click here to contact your legislators and urge them to pass the Dole Act. Your voice matters in ensuring veterans receive the care and support they need and deserve.