S. 141 (ENR): Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
Summary:
S. 141, also known as the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, is a comprehensive bill introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) on January 3, 2023. The bill aims to improve healthcare and benefits for veterans, with a focus on expanding access, enhancing services, and addressing veteran homelessness.
Key Provisions:
The bill includes numerous provisions to address various aspects of veterans’ healthcare and benefits, including:
- Expanding Access to Care:
- Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish new community-based outpatient clinics in underserved areas.
- Authorizes the VA to contract with non-VA providers for specialty care when necessary to meet the needs of veterans.
- Improving Quality of Care:
- Creates a patient advocate program to assist veterans in navigating the VA healthcare system and resolving any concerns.
- Establishes a new office within the VA to focus on patient safety and quality improvement.
- Supporting Mental Health Care:
- Increases funding for mental health services and expands access to evidence-based treatments.
- Requires the VA to create a dedicated mental health and well-being program for women veterans.
- Addressing Veteran Homelessness:
- Provides grants to organizations supporting homeless veterans and promotes collaboration between the VA and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Establishes a new pilot program to provide housing assistance to veterans with the most severe needs.
- Expanding Education and Employment Opportunities:
- Increases funding for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and makes it easier for veterans to use their benefits.
- Creates a mentorship program to connect veterans with employers and career development opportunities.
- Preventing Suicide:
- Expands the VA’s suicide prevention program and provides additional resources for veterans at risk.
- Creates a new Suicide Prevention Task Force to develop and implement comprehensive prevention strategies.
Background:
The bill is named in honor of former Senator and Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole, a strong advocate for veterans. The legislation builds upon the work of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which has focused on addressing veteran homelessness and improving veterans’ healthcare.
Current Status:
As of December 19, 2024, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. It is currently under consideration by the committee and has not yet been voted on or passed by either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
Support and Opposition:
S. 141 has received widespread support from veteran organizations and healthcare providers. However, there have been some concerns raised about the bill’s potential cost and the need for additional funding to implement its provisions.
S. 141 (ENR) – Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
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