President Biden Signs Elizabeth Dole Act to Enhance Veterans’ Healthcare and Support Services

On January 2, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, commonly known as the Dole Act.

The White House This comprehensive legislation aims to enhance support for veterans, their caregivers, and families by:

  • Expanding In-Home Care: The Act increases the cap on home care costs covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing veterans to receive more extensive in-home services.
  • Establishing Assisted Living Pilot Program: A pilot program is introduced to provide eligible veterans with access to assisted living care, offering alternatives to traditional nursing home facilities.
  • Enhancing Caregiver Support: The legislation improves mental health services for caregivers and extends benefits to those caring for elderly and infirmed veterans.
  • Improving Access to VA Services: The Act addresses various aspects of veterans’ healthcare, economic opportunities, disability and memorial affairs, homelessness, and oversight, aiming to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and improve service delivery.

Named after former Senator Elizabeth Dole, a dedicated advocate for veterans’ issues, the Act represents a significant advancement in modernizing and expanding support systems for veterans and their families.

Rep. Juila Brownley, a Democrat of California, and Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican representing the state of Kansas, submitted this bill which means both parties agree on it! Caregivers are trained to provide care in the home and the one-on-one care delivers more care services than in a nursing home where 1 caregiver may care for as many as 10 to 12 residents.