Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act

The Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act (S. 495) would establish a three-year pilot program allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for assisted living services for eligible veterans. Currently, the VA is generally prohibited from covering the costs of room and board at assisted living facilities, often leaving veterans to choose between staying at home without adequate support or moving into a more restrictive nursing home environment.

By expanding coverage to include assisted living, the bill aims to provide veterans with a middle-ground care option that promotes independence while still providing necessary daily assistance. The program would focus on veterans who are already eligible for nursing home care or those who require more support than what is provided in a residential "domiciliary" setting. Following the pilot, the VA Inspector General would report to Congress on the program's effectiveness and veteran satisfaction to determine if the benefit should be made permanent.