The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which is a comprehensive bipartisan package of bills that expands services for veterans, their families and caregivers, as well as their survivors across healthcare, education and benefits, recently passed Congress and is now headed to President Joe Biden for signature.
This legislation, proposed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, would significantly improve access to in-home care for veterans living with ALS by raising the current cap on home care costs covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the new law, the VA would pay up to 100% of the cost of home care services, matching or exceeding the cost of a nursing home.
"Our leaders in Congress proved that America can still come together and stand with those who served our nation and their families,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Not only was this bill passed with broad bipartisan support, but it is also the most comprehensive package of veterans’ legislation passed by this Congress, containing substantive, wide-reaching benefits and reforms that will be transformative for the broader veterans’ community and will be instrumental in helping our nation’s military and veteran caregivers thrive.”
To better address the medical needs of veterans, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would improve VA support systems and increase access to home and community-based care services. Increased access to receive caregiving at home would allow veterans and their families to stay together and be more involved in the veterans’ healthcare. It would also provide them with systems of support to ensure the veteran can age at home, have a better quality of life and help provide support for their caregivers.
“I am truly honored that this legislation bears my name, though I am even more grateful for the valuable measures it will bring to those who served our nation and their caregivers,” said former Sen. Elizabeth Dole. “The resources, reforms, and improvements contained in this legislation are precisely the types of advancements that only Congress can provide, and I applaud the Members and their staff who never wavered in their determination to get this bill to the president’s desk.”
While the cause of ALS is unknown, veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS than civilians. A recent study revealed that among deployed post-Sept. 11 veterans, the prevalence of ALS is 19.7 per 100,000 veterans, which is more than 3.7 times the prevalence of ALS in the U.S. population over a similar time period. Most people with ALS only live another two to five years after their diagnosis.
“I want to thank my friend, Senator Elizabeth Dole, and the entire team at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for working with me and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this landmark bill over the finish line,” said House Veteran Affairs’ Committee Chairman Mike Bost. “I know that the bipartisan Dole Act will have a positive impact on thousands of veterans and their families by expanding economic opportunities, simplifying the disability claims process, reforming services for aging veterans, opening more doors for mental health support and a lot more – and we got it done. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this good bill into law as soon as possible.”
The legislative package will also enhance access to vital mental health programs while honoring veterans’ choices for community care. Provisions will also support surviving families with expanded education benefits and remove barriers for surviving spouses. Additionally, the bill will combat veteran homelessness through increased funding for housing, transportation, and caregiver support.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has been working with a coalition of partners to deliver the bill, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Disabled American Veterans, AARP, Program for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly, I AM ALS and The ALS Association.
"Our freedoms are built on the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our veterans. When they hang up their uniform and transition back into civilian life, it is our turn to stand for them," said U.S. Rep. JuanCiscomani. "As we close the 118th Congress, I am glad to see both chambers of Congress approved my bill, the Dole Act, which makes great strides to modernize and reform the VA, expand access to job training and employment opportunities, streamline the disability claims process, and improve the delivery of care and benefits, whether at the VA or at home. I am grateful to Chairman Bost, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all the veterans and veteran-serving organizations that worked on this legislative package, and I urge the President to sign this bill into law as soon as possible.”
For a section-by-section summary of the Dole Act, click here. The bill text can be found here.