Veterans May Soon Get Easier Access to Medicare and Medicaid under New Proposed Bill
A bipartisan bill could streamline healthcare access for veterans in state homes across America
A new piece of proposed legislation could change the way State Veterans Homes qualify for Medicare and Medicaid funding. It’s a move that could make it easier for thousands of older and disabled veterans to qualify for government-funded healthcare insurance programs, allowing them to finally get the care they need. Below, we share more about the proposed bill, including when it could take effect.
What to know about the potential shift in Medicare and Medicaid coverage for veterans
Currently, in order for a State Veterans Home to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, they must undergo yearly inspections conducted by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). If those inspections don’t happen, it becomes very difficult for the homes to get access to certain federal healthcare, including VA per diem funding—which provides funding to agencies for transitional housing and services for homeless veterans—and overlapping Medicare and Medicaid requirements.
That could all change under this new piece of legislation created by Jack Bergman, a representative from Michigan and former Marine Corps lieutenant general.
In the bill—entitled H.R. 7747—Bergman proposes streamlining the certification process for State Veterans Homes, which would make it easier for former service members to access Medicare or Medicaid. New York Representative Thomas Suozzi and Utah Representative Burgess Owens, from opposite sides of the political aisle, have cosponsored the bipartisan effort.
“[H.R. 7747 will] streamline the certification process for State Veterans Homes by allowing certain facilities certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be deemed in compliance with specified Medicare and Medicaid requirements, and for other purposes,” reads the official excerpt text published by Congress.
In simpler terms, veterans homes already certified by the VA would automatically meet federal requirements, making it easier for residents to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid.
“The bipartisan legislation we have proposed would streamline access to long-term care for disabled and aging veterans,” Congressman Suozzi tells Woman’s World. “Every veteran deserves not only our respect, but also uninterrupted access to the medical care, mental health services and benefits they have rightfully earned through their selfless service to our country.” She continues, “It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as Americans to always uphold our solemn promise to those who have served by ensuring they receive the respect, resources and dignity they deserve.”
When the new Medicare and Medicaid coverage for veterans could take effect
Currently, H.R. 7747 is with the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Veterans’ Affairs. The three subgroups will discuss it for a period of time pre-determined by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, who is from Louisiana. Following that, it could potentially return to the House for a vote. If it passes there, it will move to the Senate. If the Senate also agrees to pass it, the bill will go to President Donald Trump, who will either sign it into law or veto it altogether.
As of publication, there is no word on which way he’s leaning.
How veterans can get Medicare and Medicaid coverage
Of course, former service members not in State Veterans Homes are also eligible for Medicare or Medicaid along with their VA healthcare benefits, as long as they qualify.
To qualify for VA benefits, you must be a former or active-duty military, naval or air service member who was not dishonorably discharged and served for 24 months or more. To sign up for VA benefits, visit their online application here.
To qualify for Medicaid, you must earn 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is currently an annual income of $15,960 or less for an individual. That means that individuals must make $22,025 or less a year to qualify for Medicaid. It’s important to check your individual state’s regulations, as some rules may vary.
To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and you or your spouse must have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. To sign up for Medicare, click here.
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