WASHINGTON— Last week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act. This legislation requires the Veterans Administration (VA) to put in place a four-year pilot program providing dental care for Veterans with certain chronic health conditions.  

“Our veterans deserve access to high-quality health care services – and that should include dental care,” said Rep. Simpson. “The VET CARE Act empowers the VA to meet our nation’s heroes' needs and drives down the overall health care cost. As a former dentist, I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and expand access to dental care for our veterans.”    

Right now, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service-connected injury.  Studies have shown that regular dental care helps alleviate certain chronic conditions, reducing overall healthcare costs. Since the VA spends most of its healthcare costs on treating Veterans with chronic ailments, like diabetes and heart conditions, increasing access to preventative dental services would help ensure a healthier Veteran population and bring those costs down. 

 The full text of the bill is available here.