An Act To Update Maine's Veterans' Benefits Eligibility Requirements

Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA §607,  as amended by PL 2015, c. 397, §14, is further amended to read:

§ 607. Admission

Veterans desiring admission to the homes must apply on forms prescribed by the chief executive officer. The chief executive officer shall grant admission only to veterans who were residents of Maine at the time of their entry into the United States Armed Forces or who are residents of Maine at the time of application, and to the spouses, widows or widowers of eligible veterans, as long as suitable facilities are available. Parents of armed services members who are killed in action or die as a consequence of wounds received in battle are also eligible, as so-called "gold star" parents, for admission. Residents of Maine who served at least 180 days, inclusive of training, in the Maine National Guard during a federally recognized war period as described by Title 36, section 653 are also eligible for admission. Admission must be granted when provisions of the rules governing private payment, Medicare and Medicaid eligibility to entitled persons are met.

SUMMARY

This bill expands eligibility for admission to Maine Veterans' Homes to residents of Maine who served at least 180 days in the Maine National Guard during a federally recognized war period.