Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, legislation that increases access to costly medications out of reach for severely disabled veterans in State Veterans Homes. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications for severely disabled veterans, which are covered outside the facility.
“The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) strongly supports the Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, which would require VA to reimburse State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications provided to their veteran residents. This legislation will correct a glitch in the law that allows private nursing homes to receive VA reimbursement for high-cost medications, such as chemotherapy and emerging cancer drugs, but offers no similar support to State Veterans Homes. Ending this disparity will empower State Veterans Homes to care for more severely disabled veterans and allow more veterans the ability to choose where they spend their final years. NASVH is grateful for the leadership of Chairwoman Miller-Meeks and looks forward to working with her to enact this legislation.” Ed Harries – NASVH President
