River Bend Times

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has introduced the Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, aimed at increasing access to costly medications for severely disabled veterans in State Veterans Homes. The legislation addresses a gap where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not currently reimburse these homes for high-cost medications.

"As a 24-year veteran and physician, it is critical to increase access to life-saving medication for our veterans," stated Rep. Miller-Meeks. "Our bill would mandate the VA reimburse State Veterans Homes for the cost of expensive medications – or furnish them - so veterans can continue to receive the care they need and deserve."

Following the PACT act's passage, there has been an increase in veterans classified as severely disabled. While the VA provides a per diem for these individuals, it does not cover costs for high-cost medications often exceeding $1,000 daily. These drugs are crucial in extending both life expectancy and quality of life.

The proposed bill seeks to rectify this issue by requiring the VA to either fund or supply necessary medications directly to State Veterans Homes. This initiative aims to support these facilities in caring for severely disabled veterans.

Rep. Miller-Meeks serves as Chairwoman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health, where she focuses on issues such as substance use disorder and mental health therapies. Her legislative efforts include improving access to rehabilitation programs and expanding non-opioid pain management options.

State Veterans Homes play a key role in providing housing and medical care while easing demand on the VA system, with Congress supporting state efforts through reimbursement programs.