Thank you to Chair Holden, Chair Hudson, and the members of the Committee on Veterans and the Committee on Aging for convening this important hearing. As we approach November, which is Veterans Appreciation Month in our city, we have the opportunity to highlight the sacrifice that veterans have made in the service of our country. This commemoration recognizes veterans who have served in recent years but also those who served many years in the past.
Our veterans experience unique concerns relating to their health, mental health, socioeconomic factors, and other issues depending on when and how they served. Veterans who served in the post-9/11 era face distinct challenges from those who served during the World War II, Korea, or Vietnam eras. According to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, there are over eight million veterans over the age of 65 nationwide, accounting for about half of all veterans, a majority of whom served in the Vietnam era. As our veterans age, they must deal with the same issues other 
seniors face, often compounded by the effects of their service. For example, a report published by the Census Bureau showed that older veterans were more likely to have a functional disability than other older adults, accounting for more than 40% of older veterans.
We must work to ensure that all senior veterans are able to take full advantage of the programs offered through the VA including the veterans’ pension, the Aid & Attendance pension benefit, the Housebound pension benefit, the geriatrics program, and more. The 
city must work with veterans directly to ensure they know about these programs and to help them qualify. Additionally, family members must be informed about additional benefits such as the VA Survivors Pension and burial benefits. According to the Census Bureau, a majority of older veterans – and veterans as a whole – are not enrolled in military or veteran healthcare benefits. Instead, most have private insurance or Medicare. Our city must ensure that we work with these veterans to check their eligibility and get them enrolled if they are eligible and interested. There are also opportunities for continued innovation at the VA and other healthcare programs. Advances in telehealth, home-based care, and non-traditional facilities can 
provide alternatives for care for older veterans who have mobility or other disability-related OFFICE OF THE BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT - 851 GRAND CONCOURSE, SUITE 301, BRONX, NY 10451 - (718) 590-3500 issues. There are also more opportunities to build greater relationships between the VA and 
community-based and mobile healthcare facilities, who are often physically closer to residents than the VA hospital. By expanding the way we serve veterans, we can make a greater difference in the lives of these seniors. While most VA services are continuing during the federal government shutdown, some 
services are suspended, including some outreach and assistance programs. I urge our federal leaders to end the shutdown and ensure that all Americans can benefit from federal government services without political bias and receive the affordable health insurance that 
they deserve. Our city must redouble our efforts to engage veterans, especially seniors. I am proud that my office has been able to bring a Veteran Resource Center to Bronx Borough Hall in conjunction with the city’s Department of Veteran Services. By improving our services to 
veterans right here in the community, we can ensure that they get the help they need. This is especially true for our seniors who often have more difficulty traveling. Creating more options in more neighborhoods can only improve access and equity.
Additionally, my office engages in numerous community outreach efforts for veterans, including older veterans, with the partnership of our Veterans Advisory Council. We organize an annual brunch for veterans during Bronx Week, partner with the State Department of Labor to host job fairs targeted for veterans, provide turkeys and toys to veterans during the holiday season, and more. Our veterans are resilient. I will continue to stand with and support our veterans, ensuring that they get all of the services that they need to thrive as they age here in The Bronx and across our city. Our city owes a debt of gratitude to them and to their families, and we will not rest until all veterans receive the care that they deserve.