Tucson Standard

U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), both members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have introduced an initiative aimed at improving healthcare coordination for veterans who receive services through Medicare and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

The proposed legislation, known as the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act (H.R. 9399), seeks to address challenges faced by veterans over 65 and those with disabilities who are enrolled in both Medicare and VA services. The bill proposes a three-year pilot program that would assign case managers to develop individualized healthcare plans for these veterans, ensuring proper delivery of services.

“Veterans are our nation’s heroes, and they deserve a healthcare system that works for them,” said Ciscomani. “Unfortunately, too often, I hear from veterans who are frustrated by the lack of coordination between Medicare and the VA when trying to access the healthcare benefits they are owed. This bipartisan legislation will help senior veterans and those with disabilities by assigning a case manager to develop individualized care plans, coordinate the delivery of care, and help veterans navigate Medicare and the VA.”

“Our nation’s veterans deserve the highest quality and standard of care,” said Cherfilus-McCormick. “The VA and Medicare program must fulfill this mission, but research continues to show that dually enrolled veterans struggle to navigate the healthcare bureaucracy and receive coordinated care. I am proud to co-lead the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act.”

This marks Ciscomani's tenth veteran-focused bill during his freshman term in Congress. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Angus King (I-ME).

"Wounded Warrior Project is pleased to support the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Access Act,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President for Government and Community Relations for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Many veterans with disabilities rely on both VA health care and Medicare to meet their healthcare needs,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). “This can lead to a duplication of care, poor coordination of services, higher costs; and in the worst cases endangers the health and wellbeing of the veteran."

“The VA has many beneficial programs...that often go unused by veterans...because of a lack of holistic...care coordination," said Steve Schwab, CEO of Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

"This bi-partisan bill marks a significant step forward in ensuring that senior veterans receive comprehensive health care," said Michael Braham, President of CareSource Military & Veterans.

“Easterseals is proud to support this important legislation,” said Kendra Davenport, President & CEO of Easterseals.