The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a proposal to expand access to its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). This program offers family caregivers of eligible veterans various services and supports, including training, financial assistance, health care coverage, and more.

The proposed rule aims to broaden and clarify access to the program by reassessing eligibility less frequently and expanding telehealth home visits during emergencies. The new criteria will allow thousands more veterans and their caregivers to benefit from the program.

"VA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring every Veteran gets the care, benefits, and support they deserve," according to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. He added that these changes would "expand the program to tens of thousands of Veterans and their family caregivers."

Key proposed changes include expanded eligibility criteria, allowing telehealth flexibility during emergencies, fewer reassessments for personal care needs, delayed discharges based on eligibility reassessments for legacy participants, and clarified eligibility for primary family caregivers' stipend levels.

Currently serving 89,700 caregivers through PCAFC or the Program of General Caregiver Support Services, this proposal is part of VA's efforts to meet veterans' needs effectively. Public comments on these proposed changes are encouraged starting December 6 via VA’s Federal Register webpage.