Democrat Slams ‘Destructive’ Veterans Health Care Privatization Bill
TL/DR –
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., has criticized the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, claiming that it will privatize health services and drain funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., includes provisions from 22 bills that support veterans’ health benefits and services in community settings and at home, but Takano claims this would lead to further erosion of support for traditional VA programs. The bill has been backed by veterans organizations and also has support from Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, who believes the legislation would expand access to home and community-based care programs for veterans.
Democrats Warn Proposed Bill Could Privatize Veterans’ Healthcare
A comprehensive bill set to boost community services for aging and disabled veterans has been criticised by the leading Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The legislation, dubbed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, is seen by some as a covert attempt to privatize health services, potentially depleting funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The bill was proposed by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and has 21 co-sponsors, all of whom are Republicans. Thus far, no Democrats have endorsed the bill.
However, Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif, argues that this substantial legislation must be adjusted. The fear is that it could cause a further decrease in support for established VA programs. The bill features provisions from 22 bills aimed at enhancing veterans’ health benefits and services in community settings and at home.
Takano characterizes the bill as an expensive, financially irresponsible, and “harmful privatization package”. The Congressional Budget Office anticipates the cost of the bill to reach $942 million by fiscal 2026.
Bill Receives Support from Veterans’ Organizations
Despite the controversy, the bill has been backed by various veterans organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The legislation includes language from the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which was introduced in 2023. This Act would elevate coverage from 65% to 100% for in-home and end-of-life care. The bill also includes measures from the CARE Act, which provides training and certifies navigators to help veterans and their families with accessing community services.
Though some Democrats oppose the bill alongside Takano, others support it. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, expressed his support for the legislation recently.
The VA has noted an annual increase of 15% in demand for community care since the passage of the Mission Act. However, the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute has warned that the omnibus bill carries “Trojan horses” that will redirect funds from the VA health system to private healthcare. The institute argues that more emphasis on non-VA community care will cause delays in VA hospitals, clinics, and other facilities’ modernizations.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough has also commented on the financial challenge of supporting VA health as the demand for private care grows. He noted the difficulty of providing in-house care for veterans, especially as more veterans are referred to private doctors for their care.
Takano has called on Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., the chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to present a bill to the House floor that “will not undercut VA’s mission.” He stresses that legislation for veterans must consider the costs honestly and should not sacrifice current healthcare and benefits.
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