Juneau -- The Alaska Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve Senate Bill 247, legislation that allows veterans staying in nursing homes to receive their longevity bonus if the cost of their care is paid for by veterans' benefits, private resources or a combination of veterans' benefits and private resources.

"SB 247 restores the eligibility of certain veterans in nursing homes to receive longevity bonus payments," said bill sponsor Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage). "A small number of these veterans were being denied this benefit because the eligibility rules for the longevity bonus disqualify veterans who are being cared for in nursing homes, if their care is being paid for through veterans' benefits. Veterans' benefits are federal benefits earned by those who have served our country in the armed forces. It is not fair to include veterans' benefits in the same category as needs-based state benefits such as Medicaid, the receipt of which also disqualifies nursing home patients from receiving the bonus."

Senator Leman noted that his legislation is prospective only. Only veterans who initially applied before January 1, 1997 would be eligible to reapply under the new law. SB 247 now moves to the House for consideration.

Attachment:

• Sponsor Statement