The Dec. 16 passage of a bipartisan slate of VA health care and benefits improvements marks a major milestone for veterans, caregivers, and survivors, with the legislation addressing issues from long-term care services to claims processing to resources for student veterans and many other critical VA programs.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141), strongly supported by MOAA and more than 50 veterans organizations, passed out of both the House and Senate in the final hours of this Congress; the House passed its initial version Nov. 18, the Senate passed an amended version Dec. 12, and the House approved that version four days later. The legislation now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

“As we approach the end of this legislative session, we must recognize the profound positive impact this bill will have on the health and well-being of our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors,” MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), said.

Key provisions in the 250-page bill include:

• Increasing VA’s share of home nursing care costs from 65% to 100%, significantly reducing the financial burden on aging and disabled veterans who wish to receive care at home.
• Expanding services to better support caregivers, providing them with respite and mental health care to ensure their well-being and that of their families.
• Strengthening support for unhoused veterans by raising the VA’s per diem rate for transitional housing and offering greater flexibility to assist with essential needs and other critical services.

Leaders of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees — Chairmen Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), along with ranking members Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) — played pivotal roles in advancing the legislation. Organizations like MOAA worked tirelessly for months to help lawmakers reach agreement on this sweeping package, which represents the culmination of efforts to pass over 90 major veterans’ bills during the past two years.

More Work to Do

Despite its significant strides, the Dole Act does not address all veteran care concerns. During negotiations, provisions to expand non-VA residential treatment programs for veterans facing mental health and substance use challenges were removed.

Moran, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee ranking member, expressed disappointment over this exclusion and pledged to prioritize the issue when he assumes the committee chairmanship in the next Congress.

“While I look forward to the enactment of this bill and the good it will do, I remain committed to ensuring veterans have access to the residential care they need to overcome mental health and substance use issues,” Moran said.

MOAA and other veterans organizations have pledged to work with Moran and other congressional leaders to address residential care in 2025. Prior to Senate passage of the bill, veterans organizations sent a letter to committee leaders advocating for the expansion of residential rehabilitation treatment programs in the VA’s offerings. MOAA and our partners are committed to prioritizing access to these programs as well as ensuring all veterans receive the care they deserve through both the VA direct care system and its community care network.

[READ THE LETTER]

The Dole Act’s passage emphasizes the critical importance of bipartisan collaboration in supporting the veteran community. Once enacted, the legislation will provide immediate and long-term benefits to millions of veterans and their families, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to those who have served.

As this congressional session closes, MOAA extends its heartfelt gratitude to our members, advocates, and partners who worked with dedication and passion to help get the Dole Act across the finish line. Your steadfast commitment to MOAA’s mission and advocacy engagement empowers our association to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our uniformed services and veteran communities. MOAA deeply appreciates your unwavering support.