PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Dec 5, 2023
Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023 or the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023
This bill addresses home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Under the bill, the cost of providing noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care generally may not exceed 100% of the cost that would have been incurred if a veteran had been furnished VA nursing home care. (Under current law, these expenditures are limited to 65% of the cost.) However, for specified veterans, the VA may exceed 100% of the cost if it determines the higher cost is in the best interest of such veterans (i.e., veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a spinal cord injury, or a condition the Secretary determines to be similar to such conditions).
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Among other requirements, the VA must
seek to enter into an agreement with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in certain areas to furnish noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care;
implement various programs (e.g., the Veteran Directed Care program) to expand access to home- and community-based services;
provide specified support and benefits to caregivers of certain disabled veterans;
implement a pilot program to provide homemaker and home health aide services to veterans who reside in communities with a shortage of home health aides; and
ensure the availability of home and community-based services for Native American veterans.
For veterans or family caregivers who are discharged from the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, a caregiver support coordinator must provide for a personalized transition to an appropriate program.
The Veterans Health Administration must review programs administered through the Office of Geriatric and Extended Care to ensure consistency in program management, eliminate service gaps at the medical center level, and ensure the availability of and access to home and community-based services.
The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through February 4, 2032, under the VA's home loan program.
People & committees
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] · D–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 5 (Roll no. 696). (text: 12/04/2023 CR H6097-6100)
House roll call 696 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 5 (Roll no. 696). (text: 12/04/2023 CR H6097-6100)
House roll call 696 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6130-6131)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 542.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6097-6103)
Mr. Bergman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 228.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 118-284.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 118-284.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Health Discharged.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 27, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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