On December 5th, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023 passed the House by a vote of 414-5. The bill would increase the cap on non-institutional alternative care options from 65% to 100% of what the Veterans Administration (VA) would otherwise pay for services in a nursing home. The cap can be fully waived in special cases where it is deemed the vet may be better served in the community. Other requirements of the VA include: 
 

  • pursue agreements with PACE organizations, 
  • implementation of programs that expand access to HCBS including caregiver supports, 
  • ensure availability of services for Native American Veterans.  
     

LeadingAge is supportive of this bill. You can read the summary and full text here

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Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.