GOVERNOR CORZINE SIGNS LEGISLATION TO EXPLORE HOME
HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation requiring the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to evaluate the resources, costs and benefits of providing home health care aides for qualified veterans. 

“It’s important that we explore and consider new options for our veterans who require prolonged medical care,” Governor Corzine said.  “These alternative programs have the potential to allow veterans to receive the care they need from the comfort of their home while at the same time reducing long-term care demands on the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs.”

The legislation requires the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to examine and evaluate the resources available as well as the costs and benefits of providing home health care services to eligible veterans. After a careful examination the Adjutant General will submit a report to the Legislature detailing specific recommendations.

The report’s recommendations will include details on the allocation of state funds necessary to meet the demand for veterans’ home health care services and plans for working with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies to provide alternatives to veterans in the state. The report is to be submitted no later than 180 days after enactment of the legislation.

 “In light of the disturbing revelations at Walter Reed Hospital and the federal government's disturbing lack of preparation to handle Iraq War veterans, it is more essential than ever that states like New Jersey explore new avenues for supporting our military personnel and our veterans in every way possible," said Conners (D-Camden, Burlington).  "We have an unshakable duty to do all that we can help the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom."

“Home health care has tremendous potential to reduce long-term care costs and improve the quality of life of aging military veterans,” said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic).  “We should explore every opportunity to examine alternatives that would enable veterans to remain in their homes and communities and avoid placement in a nursing home or other long-term-care facility.”

“Funding and expanding home health services can ensure alternatives to long-term institutionalization for our veterans,” Senator Peter Inverso (R-Mercer/Middlesex) said.  “These alternative programs can provide reduced costs to DMVA’s long-term care system while keeping our veterans out of an acute care bed and at home, where many prefer to remain.”

The legislation (A3281/S2305) was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblypersons Jack Conners (D-Burlington/Camden), Mims Hackett Jr. (D-Essex), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester) and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). It was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Peter Inverso (R-Mercer/ Middlesex) and Robert Martin (R-Essex/ Morris/Passaic).

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Photos and audio and video clips from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/