Navigating the Elizabeth Dole Act: A Game Changer for Home Care Agencies Serving Veterans

Veterans deserve quality care that respects their preferences and supports their independence. The Elizabeth Dole Home and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act, known as the Elizabeth Dole Act, marks a significant step toward expanding access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for veterans. This legislation reshapes how care is delivered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), emphasizing support for Veterans who want to receive care at home rather than in institutional settings. For home care agencies, understanding this Act is essential to better serve Veterans and grow their Veteran client base.

Veteran receiving home care services at home

What the Elizabeth Dole Act Does

The Elizabeth Dole Act, signed into law in January 2025, aims to improve and expand VA Home and Community-Based Services. It builds on existing VA programs by increasing access to care options that allow Veterans to remain in their homes and communities. The Act focuses on several key areas:

• Expanded Access to HCBS: The Act directs the VA to increase the availability of home and community-based services, including personal care, homemaker services, and respite care. This expansion helps Veterans avoid or delay institutional care such as nursing homes.

• Caregiver Support: Recognizing the vital role caregivers play, the Act enhances support programs for family caregivers, including training, counseling, and respite services.

• Growth of HCBS Programs: The legislation requires the VA to develop and improve programs that provide long-term care in community settings, aligning with the preferences of most Veterans.

• Strengthening VA Partnerships: The Act encourages collaboration between the VA and community providers, including home care agencies, to create a more integrated care network.

  
  

These provisions reflect findings from the VA Geriatrics & Extended Care program and reports by the Congressional Research Service and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which highlight the growing demand for community-based care and the need for better caregiver support.

Why the Elizabeth Dole Act Matters for Home Care Providers

Home care agencies are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Veterans who want to stay in their homes. The Elizabeth Dole Act creates new opportunities, but also new responsibilities for these agencies:

• Increased Demand for HCBS: As the VA expands home care options, more Veterans will seek services outside institutional settings. Agencies that understand VA benefits and HCBS programs can tap into this growing market.

• Navigating VA Authorizations: VA benefits and authorizations can be complex. Agencies that master these processes can provide smoother access to care for Veterans and reduce administrative barriers.

• Building Community Partnerships: The Act encourages stronger ties between the VA and community providers. Agencies that build these relationships can improve care coordination and outcomes.

• Supporting Caregivers: Agencies that offer caregiver support services align with the Act’s goals and can better meet the holistic needs of Veterans and their families.

  
  

Understanding the Elizabeth Dole Act helps home care providers position themselves as trusted partners in Veteran care, increasing their ability to serve this important population effectively.

Home care agency staff reviewing veteran care plan

How Foboa VA Development Helps Agencies Serve More Veterans

Foboa VA Business Development is a service designed to help home care agencies navigate the complexities of VA benefits and HCBS programs. It supports agencies in several key ways:

• VA Benefits Navigation: Foboa guides agencies through VA eligibility, authorizations, and benefit structures, helping them understand what services Veterans qualify for and how to access funding.

• Compliant Care Plans: The program assists agencies in creating care plans that meet VA requirements, ensuring compliance and improving the chances of authorization approval.

• Building Sustainable Systems: Foboa helps agencies develop operational systems that support long-term growth in serving Veterans, including staff training and data management.

• Aligning with the Elizabeth Dole Act: By improving access to care and strengthening community partnerships, Foboa supports the goals of the Act, helping agencies deliver higher quality care to Veterans.

• Strategic and Tactical Support: Foboa's VA and partnership development experts go beyond providing information and resources that can be found online. They work directly with agencies to develop their local VA network so they can serve more Veterans and secure referrals directly from the VA.

  
  

Agencies that partner with Foboa and take advantage of their VA Business Development program gain a competitive edge by becoming more knowledgeable and efficient in serving Veterans, which leads to better care experiences and business growth.

Home care agency team meeting on veteran care strategies

Improving Care for Veterans and Their Families

The Elizabeth Dole Act represents a meaningful shift toward honoring Veterans’ preferences for receiving care at home. For home care agencies, this legislation opens doors to serve more Veterans while improving the quality and coordination of care. Agencies that invest in understanding VA benefits, build strong community partnerships, and use programs like Foboa VA Business Development will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Veterans and their families.

Serving Veterans is not just a business opportunity; it is a commitment to those who have served the nation. By embracing the changes brought by the Elizabeth Dole Act, home care agencies can play a vital role in supporting Veterans’ independence, dignity, and well-being.