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.