The need for long-term care (LTC) is growing among veterans and the VA is struggling to meet the demand. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides or purchases LTC services through several programs in institutional settings like nursing homes and non-institutional settings like veterans’ homes.
The VA projects the demand for LTC among veterans will continue to increase and spending is predicted to double by 2037. Currently, there are two bills pending in Congress designed to give veterans better options for care at home, or in an assisted-living environment, to help delay the need for a VA nursing home.
The Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans’ Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act
According to a 2021 AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, 77% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their homes as long as they’re physically able. Being close to family and friends and remaining in a community they love are the top reasons they’re choosing to age in place. With this in mind, the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans’ Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act would:
- Expand in-home care for older and disabled veterans
- Allow some veterans to receive assisted living services under a test program
- Create an online resource hub for caregivers of veterans
- Bolster caregiver respite and mental health support
Introduced to Congress in May of 2024, the bill is supported by a growing number of veterans’ organizations and is currently being reviewed in committee.
“As supporters of the bill point out, the cost of assisted living is far less than a VA nursing home and helps give aging veterans an option of living independently.”
Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long-Term Care Act
Recently re-introduced to Congress, the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long-Term Care Act seeks to address the need for assisted living for veterans who may not need extensive care in a nursing home. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not permitted to cover the cost of room and board in assisted living communities.
The legislation proposes a three-year pilot program that would give eligible veterans a choice between a VA nursing home or an assisted living facility. As supporters of the bill point out, the cost of assisted living is far less than a VA nursing home and helps give aging veterans an option of living independently.
Currently, veterans may be able to get assisted living, residential (live-in), or home health care through the VA. To find out more visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs online.
Sources:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-284#
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8371
https://veterans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspxDocumentID=6465
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3581
