Treasure Coast Sun

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast has introduced the Veterans Homecare Choice Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at expanding homecare options for veterans. The bill seeks to reverse certain restrictions imposed by the 2018 VA MISSION Act, allowing veterans to receive homecare through nurse registries and be reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Veterans who want to live independently shouldn’t face bureaucratic hurdles to receive homecare," stated Chairman Brian Mast. "This bill corrects an oversight and ensures they can access the support they need."

Prior to 2018, veterans could be reimbursed for homecare services provided by independent contractors through nurse registries. However, post-2018 regulations limited reimbursement eligibility only to W-2 homecare agencies. The proposed legislation aims to reinstate nurse registries as eligible providers, thus removing what is described as an overburdensome regulation.

The act is designed to address an oversight in current legislation, ensuring that bureaucratic obstacles do not prevent veterans from living independently in their homes as they age. By restoring access to independent contractor homecare professionals, the bill promises improvements in the lives of tens of thousands of veterans and their families.