After hearing concerns from veterans across Nevada, Senator John Ensign introduced common-sense legislation to care for Gold Star parents.  Ensign is joined by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in offering this legislation that will allow access to VA Nursing Homes to parents who have lost a child in service to our country. 

 “Giving your life for your country is the greatest sacrifice you can make,” said Ensign.  “These men and women do so with the hope that their families will be cared for by their country.”

Currently, Gold Star parents may receive care in a VA home only if they have lost all of their children in service to our country.  This matter was brought to Senator Ensign’s attention by the Nevada Office of Veterans’ Services and the National Association of State Veterans’ Homes because they are currently in a situation where they must deny admission to Gold Star parents if they have any surviving children.

 “It simply doesn’t make sense to stipulate that parents must lose all of their children in service to their country before they are eligible to receive care in a VA home,” said Ensign.  “Losing a child to war is a stunning and life altering event, which is why I am pushing for this bipartisan legislation to become law in the coming weeks.”

Senator Ensign and Senator Brown’s legislation would change this stipulation to permit entry into a VA Nursing Home to any parent who has lost a son or daughter fighting to protect our freedoms.  The Senate is currently considering the National Defense Authorization Act and Ensign is working across the aisle to have this plan added to this bill.

The Nevada State Veterans’ Home in Boulder City, Nevada, was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a 5-star facility, making it the top rated nursing home in the state of Nevada.