What the end of the Public Health Emergency means for VA

When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires on May 11, 2023, some of VA’s pandemic-related authorities will expire as well. VA has been preparing for this moment for months, working to make this transition as seamless as possible for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. VA is also working with our partners in the Administration and in Congress to extend or reinstate many of these authorities when possible.

As our nation enters this new moment, VA remains committed to delivering world-class care and benefits to all those we serve. If you are concerned about the expiration of any of these authorities, we encourage you to reach out to your local VA medical center, call 800-698-2411, or go to VA’s Contact Us webpage. We will make sure that you get the care and support that you have earned.

Here is an overview of how the end of the Public Health Emergency will impact VA care and services:

• Return to in-person visits for Veteran Family Caregivers. During the pandemic, VA relaxed requirements for in-person visits associated with VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and instead conducted most of those visits virtually. These visits included initial home-care assessments, home care reassessments and wellness contacts. This flexibility will end on May 11, 2023. In-person visits have already resumed for most Veterans and family caregivers applying for or participating in PCAFC who require in-home visits. VA is actively communicating with all participating Veterans and caregivers to help them through this transition.
• Expanded use of VA Video Connect for telehealth. Following expiration of the PHE, the Department of Health and Human Services will resume enforcement of HIPAA Rules regarding telehealth. VA will resume use of VA Video Connect as the primary video platform authorized for scheduled video telehealth visits. Webex will be authorized as an alternative platform for scheduled video telehealth visits under specified circumstances, such as when VA Video Connect is unavailable.
• During the public health emergency, VA clinicians have been able to prescribe controlled medicines to Veterans following a telehealth examination without first having an in-person examination. DEA and SAMHSA have announced a temporary rule that will extend the current PHE related flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications, so VA’s prescribing flexibility will not expire when the public health emergency ends. Additionally, DEA, in concert with HHS and in coordination with VA, has proposed rules for telemedicine flexibilities beyond the declared public health emergency.
• Impact on Veterans experiencing homelessness. During the PHE, Veterans experiencing homelessness and those participating in HUD-VASH could receive additional direct support from VA—including assistance needed for the safety and survival of the Veteran (such as food, shelter, clothing, blankets and hygiene items), transportation needed to support the stability and health of the Veteran (such as for appointments with service providers, conducting housing searches, and obtaining food and supplies), communications equipment and services needed to support the stability and health of the Veteran (such as tablets, smartphones, disposable phones and related service plans), and more. After May 11, 2023, Veterans will no longer be able to receive this type of direct support under this authority. Congress has proposed legislation that would authorize VA to continue providing the assistance described above after the end of the PHE, but for now, we are taking all possible steps to make this transition as smooth as possible for Veterans experiencing homelessness—including offering support through our Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, local Centers for Development and Civic Engagement (formerly Voluntary Service), and community partners. For more information, email HomelessVets@va.gov or visit VA’s webpage for homeless Veterans. Veterans can also still seek health care travel reimbursement if they’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility and are eligible for travel pay. To apply for those benefits, visit the travel pay website.
• Reinstatement of pre-pandemic deadlines for VA travel reimbursement. Under the PHE, VA extended the deadline for Veterans and caregivers to apply for travel reimbursement for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments, meaning that Veterans could apply for these benefits beyond the normal 30-day window. This flexibility will end on June 9, 2023. After that date, Veterans submitting a claim for travel reimbursement will have to submit it within 30 days of their VA medical appointment. Veterans will also be required to submit beneficiary travel appeals within 365 days. To learn more about travel reimbursement and eligibility, visit the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service website.
• Removal of VA’s legal authority to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to spouses, caregivers and Veterans not enrolled in VA health care. During the PHE, VA was authorized to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to spouses, caregivers and Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA health care system. Following the expiration of the PHE on May 11, 2023, VA will no longer have this legal authority. Spouses, caregivers and Veterans not eligible for VA health care are encouraged to remain up to date with recommended vaccines and access COVID-19 vaccination in the community: Vaccines.gov – Find COVID19 vaccine locations near you.