Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023

The Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023, also known as the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023, is a comprehensive bill focused on enhancing home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation, passed on December 5, 2023 by the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 414-5.  The bill represents a significant expansion of long-term care services at the VA. Congresswoman Julia Brownley, the bill’s author, emphasizes the bipartisan support and the need for improved care for disabled and aging veterans in their homes and communities.

The Home Care Association of America states, “While the bill must still be passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Biden to become law, this is an amazing step and a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy.” 

The key provisions of the bill include:

Cost Limitations: The bill raises the limit on the cost of providing noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care for veterans. Generally, the cost may not exceed 100% of the cost of VA nursing home care, with exceptions for specified veterans.

Program Expansion: It mandates the VA to seek agreements with programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and implement various initiatives, such as the Veteran Directed Care program, to expand access to home- and community-based services.

Support for Caregivers: The bill provides support and benefits to caregivers of certain disabled veterans and establishes a pilot program for homemaker and home health aide services in communities with a shortage of home health aides.

Native American Veterans: It ensures the availability of home and community-based services for Native American veterans.

Transition Support: For veterans or family caregivers discharged from the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, personalized transition support is mandated.

Review and Consistency: The Veterans Health Administration must review programs to ensure consistency, eliminate service gaps, and ensure access to home and community-based services.

Loan Fee Rates Extension: The bill extends certain loan fee rates under the VA’s home loan program through January 26, 2032.

https://www.hcaoa.org/newsletters/breaking-news-elizabeth-dole-home-care-act-passes-the-house