U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the vice chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, is showcasing his proposal to expand dental care to veterans by partnering up with a number of groups based in Florida.
Bilirakis announced this week that he is joining with the West Pasco Dental Association, Pasco-Hernando State College, Henry Schein Cares Foundation and others to host “Stars, Stripes and Smiles” on November 3. The event will allow 75 veterans to receive free dental care.
Back in March, Bilirakis brought out the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act which expands dental care for veterans, creating a four year pilot program. Currently, only fully disabled veterans or those with service related injuries get dental benefits through the VA meaning almost 95 percent of veterans are not eligible for dental coverage from the VA.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, they deserve access to high quality health care, and that includes dental care,” said Bilirakis when he brought out that proposal. “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.”
Bilirakis said his event highlights why his bill is needed.
“Each year when I co-host the Stars, Stripes and Smiles event, I am heartbroken to hear the stories of veterans suffering with conditions that are exacerbated by poor oral health,” Bilirakis said on Thursday. “Many of them are in pain and cannot afford treatment. We know that preventative care leads to better health outcomes and to long-term savings. My hope is that the VET CARE bill will serve as a catalyst for expanding dental health care services to all veterans, while saving the Veterans Administration money due to fewer complications of chronic ailments.”
The House Veterans Committee send the bill to its Health Subcommittee back in March but there have been signs of momentum recently. Last month, U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-NC, and U.S. Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, R-PR, signed on as co-sponsors to the bill.
