Bill would ensure access to VA hospice care

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) has introduced legislation to give all veterans access to hospice care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA hospice care is not guaranteed to all veterans under current law. For instance, veterans must have received previous care in the VA system and meet certain income brackets in order to qualify for hospice care. Moreover, directives for VA hospice care can vary among individual facilities.

{mosads}Collins said his bill would help provide veterans with equal access to hospice care.

“It was a shock to learn that some of our veterans who have given so much to this country were not allowed to receive VA hospice care at the end of their lives,” Collins said. “Our veterans deserve so much better.”

The House is expected to vote this week on five bills regarding services for veterans, including a measure that would overhaul the performance review system for VA senior executives. Last week, the House voted 390-33 to grant the VA secretary authority to fire or demote senior executives amid allegations that several VA hospitals tried to conceal wait times for medical appointments.