Great news for veterans and their families: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken a major step to improve access to care by eliminating the second internal review process for community care referrals. This change will help veterans receive the services they need faster with far fewer administrative delays.
What’s Changing?
Historically, referrals for community care, including home-based services, underwent two levels of VA review before approval. This process could slow down access to essential care, especially when VA facilities were over capacity or services weren’t readily available.
Now, the VA has removed that second layer of review, meaning veterans can be referred to community care providers more quickly.
This significant improvement aligns with legislative efforts such as the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371)—a comprehensive bill aimed at modernizing and expanding veterans’ access to care and support services. The act supports faster referrals, better care coordination, and increased provider participation in the VA Community Care Network.
What This Means for Home-Based Services
For many veterans, especially older and senior adults or those managing chronic conditions, in-home care services are vital. With the streamlined referral process, veterans will now have quicker access to essential home-based services such as:
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Homemaker and home health aide support
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Help with daily living activities
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Respite care for family caregivers
Harmony at Home Senior Care: Your VA-Approved Community Care Provider
As a VA-approved community care provider, Harmony at Home is proud to support this new direction in veterans’ healthcare. If you’re a veteran, or caring for one, and need home care, now is the time to take advantage of these faster, streamlined referral options. We are happy to assist you to make sure you are receiving the benefits you or your loved one deserve. Give us a call at 972-789-4187 to get started or visit our Veterans Home Care page for more information.
