Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and many of Long Island?s veterans are calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to repair what they consider a dereliction of duty.

Under a federal law passed in 2006, health care expenses of disabled veterans are supposed to be paid for by the government. However, veterans such as Guido Izzo, who fought in World War II, say they?ve been paying out of their own pocket. Izzo lives at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University.

More than 4,800 veterans on Long Island are eligible to receive free care in state homes for veterans. The program has not yet been implemented.

?The day America turns its back on the people who risked their lives for us in service to our country is the day we?re not the greatest country in the world,? Schumer says. ?It's that simple.?

Izzo says he and his wife may have to mortgage their home to pay for his medical care.

News 12 Long Island was unable to reach the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. by phone for comment.