Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Mast Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Homecare for Veterans

Washington, D.C. – This week, Rep. Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced the Veterans Homecare Choice Act to ensure veterans can live independently in their own homes as they age. 

The legislation provides an update to the Veterans Community Care Program, which restores veterans’ access to homecare professionals operating as independent contractors. 

“As a Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am deeply committed to ensuring that the men and women who bravely defended our freedoms have the opportunities they need to achieve an overall better quality of life,” said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. “As a former CEO in the health care industry, I know firsthand the impact this bill will have on veterans' access to much-needed homecare services. It is an honor to join my colleague from the Sunshine State to ensure veterans and their families have the resources they need to live meaningful lives long after they hang up their uniforms.”

“Veterans, more than anyone, have earned the right to live their lives as they see fit, especially as they age,” Rep. Mast said. “If they choose to stay in their own homes as they get older, red tape in Washington should not prevent them from making that choice. This bill is a simple fix that will expand access to valuable homecare services that improve the lives of veterans and their families.”

Each year, thousands of veterans are challenged with finding the right homecare professional for much-needed extra assistance, such as occupational therapy and medication administration. To simplify their search, many veterans turn to nurse registries to connect them with individuals operating as independent contractors. 

Under the 2014 Veterans Choice Program, the Veterans Administration reimbursed veterans who employed a homecare professional via a nurse registry.  

In 2018, the Veterans Choice Program was replaced through the enactment of the VA MISSION Act. With this change, veterans were no longer eligible for reimbursement for homecare services provided by professionals connected via nurse registries. Instead, only services provided by a homecare agency were covered.  

The Veterans Homecare Choice Act makes a technical correction that will clarify congressional intent and restore veterans’ freedom to choose the homecare service that best fits their needs.

“Expanding access to homecare services will improve the quality of life for thousands of veterans and their families,” said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. “Our veterans deserve our full support and quality essential care. I will continue my tireless work in Congress to ensure they receive the care they deserve.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.