U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., one of the top Republicans on the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, is seeing his proposal to expand dental care to veterans see some movement on Capitol Hill.
Back in May, 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 when he brought it out.
“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.
This week Bilirakis presented his bill to the VA Health Subcommittee Hearing.
“I regularly hear from Veterans who need dental care, and they can’t get it through the VA. My bill is about doing the right thing for our heroes, but it is also about fiscal responsibility,” said Bilirakis. “I look forward to my colleagues’ support of this important initiative. It will improve the lives of countless veterans.”
Seven members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., are cosponsoring the bill. So far, there is no version over in the U.S. Senate.
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.
