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Politics

Gus Bilirakis Would Expand Dental Care for Veterans

May 13, 2019 - 9:00am
Gus Bilirakis
Gus Bilirakis

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., one of the top Republicans on the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, has brought back a proposal to expand dental care to veterans. 

Last week, Bilirakis reintroduced the “Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act”  which would expand dental care for veterans and create a four year pilot program. Currently, only fully disabled veterans or those with service related injuries get dental benefits through the VA. 

Bilirakis weighed in on his proposal on Friday. 

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, they deserve access to high quality healthcare, and that includes dental care,” said Bilirakis. “The VET CARE Act will get the ball rolling to expand access to dental care for our nation’s heroes, and could result in lower overall health care costs for the VA. Not only is this legislation good for veterans, it’s good for the VA as a whole."

The Florida congressman pointed to studies which show dental care helps reduce healthcare costs and serious medical conditions. 

“Since the VA spends most of its healthcare costs on treating veterans with chronic ailments, like diabetes, heart conditions, and more, dental coverage would help ensure a healthier veteran population and bring those costs down,” Bilirakis’ office noted. 

Bilirakis, who was the vice chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee when the GOP controlled the House, first introduced the proposal back in March 2017. 

The bill was sent to the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday. Five members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., are cosponsoring the bill. So far, there is no version over in the U.S. Senate. 

Comments

This would be great!

Please continue to pursue to move this bill forward and get it passed. I desperately need some dental care that I cannot afford and I find it appalling that the VA doesn't cover it, especially where some of it is service connected. I am almost 70 and would like to keep my teeth for a few more years without going bankrupt paying for them.

Interested in sharing your thoughts for a potential radio story? email scolombini@wusf.org for more info.

Very good IDEA.

I notice the absence of Congressman John Rutherford' co sponsorship. He purports to care for veterans. Step up, sir!

I would like a letter approval for a home loan United States army retired 569-939-0827 if someone could get back to me let me know if you're probably going to help me or not please

www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS check this out

How about getting military bases to provide dental and eye services to retired service veterans, since it was a promise of recruitment for all health/medical coverage. My local base has decided not to provide those services to retirees when they have the ability and means too provide the services.

The passing of this bill would be help veterans greatly for this would give veterans much needed dental care we aren't receiving due to the way things are set up now.

There are many Vets that can't afford dental insurance. So we don't get any care.

Home Loan letter of approval please if someone can help me please to receive a letter Thank you..

We owe this to our veterans! Take care of Americans first! No to illegals !

How about for poor people and seniors !!!

Comments are now closed.

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