Rep. Houchin Introduces Larry Barrett Veterans’ Memory Care Act in Honor of Late Constituent

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) has introduced the Larry Barrett Veterans' Memory Care Act, legislation dedicated to improving access to memory and long-term care for the men and women who have honorably served our country.

In many rural and underserved areas, veterans are forced to travel long distances to access specialized care that should be covered by their VA benefits. Coverage gaps restrict veterans' ability to receive care from their preferred providers close to home, creating an unacceptable lack of flexibility that limits access to timely, quality treatment, and family support.

"I introduced this legislation in honor of Sergeant Larry Barrett, who after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, was unable to access memory care services through the VA near his home, forcing his wife and children to travel more than two hours to see him and manage his care," said Rep. Houchin. "We must ensure other veterans and their families do not face the same heartbreaking barriers when seeking the care they need and deserve."

The Larry Barrett Veterans' Memory Care Act will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to:

• Furnish extended care services, including memory care, based on the preference of veterans and their caregivers.
• Expedite processing of Veterans Care Agreements (VCA), granting automatic approval for credentialed providers who are outside of the VA's Community Care Network or located more than one hour from a veteran's residence.
• Extend existing home- and community-based service programs to veterans with open VCA requests.

"Veterans who sacrificed for our nation should never be left without options for essential health and memory care services," Rep. Houchin added. "This bill ensures their care decisions and that of their families are respected and the VA acts quickly to meet their needs."