The Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022; named after former Senator Elizabeth Dole, pictured here; seeks to improve and expand VA medical care for elderly veterans in both nursing home and at-home settings. (Photo: William Fitz-Patrick, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum)
On Feb. 25, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, D-Calif., introduced a new bill to the House of Representatives that would improve health care services for elderly veterans provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022, in its current state, addresses several issues surrounding at-home and nursing home care for veterans.
In an accompanying March 1 press release, Congresswoman Brownley said, “by expanding home and community-based services, veterans will have the assistance needed to remain members of their communities, to be present in their family lives, to support their caregivers, and to age with dignity.”
First, it would expand general access to existing programs in rural areas, including for veterans who are enrolled in tribal health programs. The bill would also allow the VA to cover up to 100 percent of nursing home costs, up from the current 65 percent.
Brownley’s new bill includes measures for easing the burden on current caregivers and a new program would be created to address areas with the largest shortfalls in elderly and extended care at VA medical centers.
Additionally, the bill would begin “coordinating expanded VA home care programs with other VA programs, like the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and other federal programs, like Medicare’s PACE program.” The VA would be required to present veterans who are denied enrollment or removed from the former program with alternative home care options.
Finally, a new webpage consolidating information on VA and federal elder care options would be created to make it easier for veterans and families.
As of March 1, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Veterans and caregivers who need assistance navigating veterans benefits, including those pertaining to elder care, can reach out to The American Legion for free assistance.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.