President Biden signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act marking a monumental milestone for the well-being of our nation’s veterans. This historic piece of legislation includes the long-awaited establishment of a pilot program allowing veterans to choose assisted living for their long-term care needs. For veterans and their families, this is not just a win—it’s a leap forward in providing more compassionate, dignified, and cost-effective care options.
James Balda, President and CEO of Argentum, the leading association representing senior living communities, expressed his strong support for the effort, stating, “Argentum applauds President Biden and the U.S. Congress for enacting this critically important veterans’ legislation. We are confident that once policymakers see the value of assisted living, both in its cost-effectiveness and high satisfaction, more programs will be developed to offer Americans a choice for their care needs.”
This article takes a deeper look at what this legislation means for veterans, the senior living industry, and the broader effort to expand long-term care options. We’ll also highlight the incredible advocacy work that made this victory possible and how you can become involved in Argentum’s ongoing efforts.
Understanding the Pilot Program for Assisted Living
The centerpiece of this legislation is a carefully designed pilot program aimed at evaluating the feasibility and benefits of expanding assisted living options for veterans. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this three-year pilot program will be instrumental in setting the groundwork for long-term systemic change.
Key Details of the Pilot:
- Limited Scope for Feasibility: The pilot program will focus on two of the VA’s 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). This allows for a manageable starting point while providing enough geographic diversity to gather meaningful insights.
- Commitment to Rural Communities: At least one facility participating in the pilot must serve rural or highly rural communities, ensuring equitable access for veterans regardless of location.
- Participant Limit: Each VISN participating in the pilot can accommodate up to 60 veterans, enabling the program to operate within controlled parameters while still impacting meaningful change.
- Community Integration: Participating facilities will include a mix of state homes and private organizations, providing a broad spectrum of service models and settings.
The pilot program’s structured design ensures stakeholders can gather valuable data to showcase the benefits of assisted living for veterans. These findings will set the stage for potentially broader adoption by the VA in coming years, creating new care opportunities for the aging veteran population.
Why Assisted Living Matters for Veterans
Assisted living represents a unique combination of independence, quality care, and community—qualities often desired by veterans facing long-term care needs. Despite its benefits, the current system leaves many veterans with limited choices. Presently, those requiring long-term care can either receive full VA-funded nursing home care or must shoulder significant out-of-pocket expenses for alternatives like assisted living.
The need for action is underscored by the VA’s 2021 report, which revealed that as the veteran population ages, long-term care demand will surge. It estimated that the number of veterans aged 85 or older eligible for VA-funded nursing home care will increase by nearly 535% over the next 20 years, climbing from 61,000 to 387,000 individuals. With VA spending projected to rise significantly without alternative solutions in place, the expansion of assisted living offers a much-needed pathway forward.
The economic argument is especially compelling. The VA estimates potential savings of $69,101 per placement per year for every veteran who chooses assisted living instead of nursing home care. This cost-effectiveness, combined with high satisfaction rates reported in assisted living environments, highlights the enormous potential benefits of the pilot program for both veterans and the VA.
Passing the Legislation—A Collective Victory
The signing of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act into law is the result of years of tireless advocacy from a coalition of stakeholders, veterans’ groups, senior living organizations, and lawmakers. Argentum has played a significant role in this effort, working alongside other organizations to drive legislative progress.
Key Legislative Milestones:
- 2021 VA Report: The catalyst for change, this report laid the groundwork by exposing the critical need for expanding long-term care options for veterans.
- Introduction of the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act: Originally introduced in 2022, this legislation served as the springboard for the provisions later included in the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act.
- Broad Bipartisan Support: Senators Jon Tester, Jerry Moran, Patty Murray, and Mike Rounds, among others, championed this legislation, demonstrating the importance of cross-party collaboration for veterans’ issues.
- Stakeholder Advocacy: From grassroots campaigns to high-level policymaker meetings, a broad coalition came together to underscore the necessity of this change.
James Balda praised the collective effort, stating, “We thank the dozens of organizations who championed this legislation across the finish line, including ASHA, NCAL, LeadingAge, and countless others. This victory truly shows the power of collaboration.”
Over the Past Year: Advocacy Achievements
Over the past year, Argentum has continued to distinguish itself as a leading voice in advocating for the senior living industry. Through a strategic and resolute nationwide campaign, Argentum successfully countered misleading reporting and thwarted legislative efforts that threatened the industry. The organization’s proactive approach protected assisted living communities from potentially burdensome federal regulations, while also advancing the veterans pilot program, which was overwhelmingly supported and passed by both chambers of Congress.
For these efforts, Argentum’s advocacy earned national acclaim once more, marking its fourth consecutive year of being named one of The Hill newspaper’s top lobbyists of 2024. This recognition highlights Argentum’s unwavering dedication and the effectiveness of its advocacy efforts in ensuring that the needs of senior living communities, including assisted living residents and their families, are heard at the highest levels of government.
Telling Our Story
One of Argentum’s core advocacy goals has been to communicate the true story of assisted living—to educate lawmakers, the media, and the public on what assisted living represents and to address misconceptions. By sharing the impactful narratives of residents, families, and caregivers, Argentum has helped frame an accurate understanding of the industry, while highlighting its critical importance.
Key efforts this year included comprehensive campaigns to counter misinformation and block legislation that could harm the senior living sector. Simultaneously, Argentum promoted the importance of private capital investment in assisted living and succeeded in excluding the sector from potentially harmful federal legislation. Additionally, meaningful measures were advanced in Congress to improve access and affordability for senior living while addressing workforce challenges throughout the industry. Here is what Argentum has accomplished on behalf of the industry in 2024:
- Public Policy Institute
- Record attendance with 30 members of Congress participating in general sessions, receptions, and meetings.
- 151 Congressional meetings hosted to share community perspectives on assisted living.
- Congressional Meetings
- More than 260 meetings with federal lawmakers and staff in 2024, advocating for senior living priorities.
- Community Tours
- Facilitated 128 visits from lawmakers to senior living communities, providing firsthand insight into the industry’s impact.
- Silver PAC Reception
- This September 2024 event took place in Washington, D.C. where we welcomed 22 members of Congress to discuss key senior living issues.
- Grassroots Campaigns
- The “I ❤ Assisted Living” initiative engaged communities nationwide, generating more than 1,000 grassroots letters to lawmakers on priority issues, increasing co-sponsors and awareness.
- Reports and Publications
- Released an updated version of the “Value of Assisted Living in America” policy paper, underscoring the industry’s economic and social contributions.
- Communication Channels
- “AHEAD with Argentum” newsletter, reaching 3,000+ subscribers weekly, previewing updates on Capitol Hill, federal and state policy developments, and calls to action.
- “Seniors Policy Insider” newsletter for Congressional staff, highlighting policy priorities, reports, and industry news.
- Member Engagement
- Monthly policy briefings for Argentum Advocates, informing members of advocacy progress and opportunities to contribute to ongoing legislative efforts.
- Congressional Briefings and Engagement
- Congressional Briefings: Hosted a House 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus event in April to drive priorities within the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Key issues included workforce investments, reauthorization of critical legislation, and advancing the Veterans bill.
- Standing with Seniors: Relaunched the advocacy website, providing an interactive map with data at national, state, and Congressional district levels, ensuring policymakers and the public have access to accurate information on assisted living’s impact.
This year has proven pivotal in advancing the senior living industry’s priorities and maintaining its integrity. Through sustained advocacy and strategic storytelling, Argentum continues to elevate the voice of assisted living communities while driving meaningful policy advancements.
Moving Advocacy Forward—How You Can Get Involved in 2025
The successful passage of this legislation highlights how community voices and advocacy can drive real change. Argentum’s role in this effort exemplifies what’s possible when we rally together for a common cause. If you are passionate about expanding care options for seniors and veterans, here are a few ways you can join Argentum’s advocacy efforts:
- Participate in the I ❤ Assisted Living Campaign
The Argentum “I ❤ Assisted Living” grassroots campaign invites supporters to directly engage with lawmakers by sending heartfelt letters, videos, and messages advocating for expanded care options. Every message counts, and makes a powerful impact. - Showcase Your Community
Make assisted living personal by hosting tours of your senior living community for local legislators. These firsthand experiences allow decision-makers to see the meaningful difference assisted living makes for residents. - Attend the Argentum Public Policy Institute
Participate in Argentum’s annual Public Policy Institute to meet directly with lawmakers, share your experiences, and discuss the importance of legislation like the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act. Don’t forget to register by January 8 to take advantage of the lowest rates! - Become an Argentum Advocate
Support Argentum’s ongoing advocacy efforts by becoming an Argentum Advocate and consider contributing to the Advocacy Fund and Silver PAC. Every contribution goes toward initiatives that shape the future of senior living and long-term care options. - Engage with Veteran Organizations
A strong coalition is key to legislative success. Partner with veterans’ organizations and other stakeholders to build unified support for efforts to expand care options.
Looking Ahead
While the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act is a significant victory for veterans and their families, it’s just the beginning. The pilot program is a vital step toward demonstrating the benefits of assisted living, but there remains work to be done to expand access more broadly and ensure every veteran can live with the dignity and care they deserve.
Argentum remains committed to working with the VA, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the pilot program’s success and advocate for further reforms. From improving cost-efficiency to increasing satisfaction rates, assisted living has the potential to revolutionize how long-term care is delivered to our nation’s heroes.
The power of advocacy and collaboration has never been clearer. Together, we’ve achieved a critical first step in changing how veterans receive care. But the journey to create improved, accessible, and compassionate care for all seniors and veterans continues.
To learn more about Argentum’s advocacy efforts and how to get involved, visit the Argentum advocacy page. Together, we can continue to make meaningful strides in shaping public policy and providing our nation’s heroes with the care they truly deserve.
