Rubio Introduces Bill, Allows Veterans Easier Access to Home Care

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced the Veterans Homecare Choice Act which looks to make it easier for those who’ve served to receive home care.

Since the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decided to not include nurse registries in the Community Care Network (CCN), some veterans have struggled to find the care they need.

Additionally, this problem is compounded with the current labor shortage.

The Veterans Homecare Choice Act would allow more options for veterans as the legislation makes sure any nurse registry is eligible for the CCN.

“Bureaucracy should never keep the men and women who served our nation from receiving the care they deserve, said Sen. Rubio. “I am proud to introduce the Veterans Homecare Choice Act, which would expand access to care and reduce the burden of bureaucratic red tape that our nation’s heroes currently face.”

Moreover, Senator Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the bill alongside Sen. Rubio, stating,

“When our country’s heroes need medical care in their own homes, they should be able to decide what kind of service is best for them,” stated Sen. Tuberville. “This bill fixes an obvious error that’s forcing veterans into one-size-fits-all homecare programs instead of giving them the options they deserve. Having care in the home is an important and personal decision. Veterans deserve the freedom to choose a homecare provider they trust.”

Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) originally introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives in 2022. He has reintroduced it in the 118^th Congress, according to the Rubio press release.

Rep. Mast, a former U.S. Army soldier and Purple Heart recipient stated that this bill will improve the lives of tens of thousands of veterans.

“This is a simple bill that will fix an oversight in the current legislation and ensure bureaucratic red tape does not deprive veterans from the ability to live independently in their own homes as they age,” stated Rep. Mast. “By restoring veterans’ access to homecare professionals operating as independent contractors, the lives of tens of thousands of veterans and their families will be improved.”

The bill will look to make its way to President Joe Biden’s (D) desk in the coming weeks.