Approving Request of Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Waiver Under

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It has been a great experience to work with Representatives Roe and Takano to improve the lives of our heroes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 80, which will approve the VA secretary's request for a waiver under the MISSION Act, allowing for innovative collaborations to expand dental care for veterans.

As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I was proud to be a strong advocate in support of the VA MISSION Act last Congress. One of the provisions of this new law established the VA Center for Innovation for Care and Payment, allowing the VA to create pilot programs that test innovative approaches to payment and service delivery models to improve the quality of care at the VA subject to congressional approval.

Many studies suggest that regular dental care, as the good doctor said, equates to lower overall healthcare cost and better health outcomes. Earlier this year I introduced H.R. 2628, the VET CARE Act, designed to determine the potential health benefits to veterans and potential cost savings to the VA associated with periodontal care. One provision specifically authorizes the VA to provide administrative support to local providers who agree to furnish dental care at low to no cost, including information about the VA Dental Insurance Program, which provides a discounted low-cost insurance plan provided by private insurers. At a legislative hearing on my bill, the VA testified its strong support for this particular section.

Currently, the VA only provides outpatient dental services to a limited number of the disabled veteran population. Some may be eligible to sign up for the VADIP, but I believe we can do more to move this issue forward and I am glad to see that the VA agrees with me on this particular issue.

Last month, the VA finalized a rule requesting congressional approval to allow coordination of care between veterans and dental providers in the community.

I applaud VA for recognizing the need to increase access and coordination of care to dental providers and educate veterans on the potential opportunities available to them in the local community.

I thank Dr. Roe for sponsoring this joint resolution, and I urge the Senate to take this up as soon as possible so that the VA can get to implementing this pilot program and better providing access to much- needed dental care our veterans have earned and deserve.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this joint resolution.

Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, this is a very simple resolution. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 80, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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