U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, today took part in a hearing focusing on a variety of issues and challenges facing our older veterans. The hearing examined the need for mental health and long-term care services; long waiting times for outpatient care; and the special needs of homeless veterans.
The purpose of the hearing was to identify the various needs of aging veterans and to make recommendations for policy changes to ensure that veterans of all ages have timely access to high quality services.
“Throughout our history, our nation’s veterans have done their duty with honor and distinction and, for their sacrifice, we owe them a debt we can never fully repay,” said Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Nothing is more critical to meeting that obligation than making sure that the veterans of today and of the future have access to high quality health care. Our veterans deserve the best health care possible, but the best does little good if our veterans cannot access it.”
Witnesses included former Senator Bob Dole, who spoke about his experiences as a World War II veteran and provided his personal perspective on how best to meet the needs of veterans of all ages. Dole co-chaired the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors which released its final report in July.
“Nothing is more critical to meeting that obligation than making sure that the veterans of today and of the future have access to high quality health care,” noted Senator Collins. “Our veterans deserve the best health care possible, but the best does little good if our veterans cannot access it.”
“This is particularly difficult in a large, rural state like Maine. Access to care is one of the biggest challenges for veterans in Maine, who often have to drive long distances to get their care. Transportation to and from medical appointments a substantial challenge. Often times the transportation time aggravates a pre- existing condition and puts more stress on the veteran to either drive or find a driver.”
Senator Dole agreed that more work must be done to ensure that veterans can look for treatment closer to home before being forced to travel hundreds of miles.
The VA estimates the total veteran population to be 24.7 million in the United States. In 2005, more than five million people were treated in VA health-care facilities nationwide.
Also in 2005, the VA spent more than $507 million in Maine to serve nearly 142,000 veterans who live in the state. Inpatient admissions to VA health care facilities in Maine totaled 15,751 while outpatient visits totaled 317,423. The VA operates Togus, which was the first national home for disabled volunteer soldiers. To provide better access to care, the VA also operates community-based outpatient clinics in Bangor, Calais, Caribou, Rumford and Saco and part-time clinics in Fort Kent and Lincoln. There is also a Mental Health Clinic in Portland.
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