In May, Mr. Bilirakis reintroduced the “Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act,” a four-year pilot program that would expand veteran dental benefits. Currently, the VA only provides dental care for fully disabled veterans or those with service-related injuries.
Mr. Bilirakis said dental care can help reduce overall healthcare costs, according to Sunshine State News. “Since the VA spends most of its healthcare costs on treating veterans with chronic ailments like diabetes, heart conditions and more, dental coverage would help ensure a healthier veteran population and bring those costs down.”
Co-sponsored by seven members of Congress, VET CARE was recently presented to the VA Health Subcommittee Hearing. Mr. Bilirakis, who sits on the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, first introduced the bill in the spring of 2017.
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