Hatch bill improving disabled veterans’ care becomes law

More disabled military veterans will be able to forgo institutionalized nursing care and live at home with caregiver support under legislation led by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) that was signed into law on March 27.

“It is truly my honor to work for the betterment of our brave veterans in the great state of Utah and the country,” said Sen. Hatch, President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate.

Introduced by Sen. Hatch in February 2017, the State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017, S. 324, provides disabled veterans having 70 percent or more of a service-connected disability with enhanced access to the adult day medical care model, allowing them to receive up to eight hours each day of comprehensive medical care.

In addition, veterans will receive the same care as living in a veterans’ home, while being able to reside in their own home. S. 324 also provides relief for the families of veterans who regularly provide care, according to a summary from the senator’s staff.

“Our Utah veterans are heroes deserving of our respect and our support,” Sen. Hatch said. “This legislation allows them to receive the daily medical care they need while still living at home and remaining a part of their communities.”

According to the summary, 609 veterans are currently on Utah’s waiting lists for 24-hour state home care, with the average wait time being 15 months.

The bill had support from several organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home in Utah, the National Association of State Veterans Homes, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), American Legion, the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, and American Veterans (AMVETS).