Page 32 - Desert Oracle March 2022
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Issue #3 • Volume #30 February 28, 2022
Washington Update
Visit the PVAction Force page to view our latest alerts and a list of key
legislation and its status.
BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE AVAILABILITY OF VA Other provisions in the bill help pave the way for
HCBS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE greater veteran participation in critical support
programs such as Homemaker and Home Health
For several months, PVA’s Government Relations Aide, Home-Based Primary Care, and Skilled Home
team has been working with House Veterans’ Care. Additional language ensures careful
Affairs Committee (HVAC) staff on legislation that consideration is given to the health care needs of
would greatly improve the availability of VA’s Home any veteran who is removed from the Program of
and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for our Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
members. That bill, H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole (PCAFC), ensuring they receive a smooth and
Home and Community Based Services for Veterans personalized transition from the PCAFC to an
and Caregivers Act of 2022, was introduced on appropriate program within VA that meets their
February 25 and it would make urgently needed needs for noninstitutional extended care services.
improvements to VA HCBS. The bill also includes a pilot program to address
direct care worker shortages.
If passed, H.R. 6823 would raise existing caps on
noninstitutional care from 65 percent of the cost of PVA thanks HVAC, Subcommittee on Health
nursing home care to 100 percent. It also requires Chairwoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Ranking
VA to establish a Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Member Jack Bergman (R-MI) for introducing this
program at each VA medical center and ensure the extremely important legislation that targets so many
program is available in the U.S. territories as well. It of our concerns about current VA HCBS program
would also allow catastrophically disabled veterans shortfalls. We call on Congress to quickly pass this
to continue to use funds under the VDC program desperately needed legislation.
during a period of hospitalization to hire an
attendant to assist with their non-medical needs DOJ ISSUES GUIDANCE ON BALLOT DROP BOX
during hospitalization. ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE ADA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued
