Connect Veterans with Adult Day Services

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

In a recent call with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), LeadingAge learned that there has been a 2 percent increase in the utilization of Adult Day Services by veterans in recent years, compared to 17 percent growth in other services. To turn this around, the VA expects to roll out several initiatives to boost Adult Day Services options for veterans that include: 

• A new case mix that will be rolled out in early 2019 will tie services to a need versus a set budget. If more services are needed, more will be provided.
• Integrating Adult Day Services as part of hospital discharge planning. 

In addition, two new authorities under the Mission Act will be implemented in 2019 that may impact Adult Day Services and how the VA reimburses these services:

Community Care Network Contracts (CCNC) will be four large, regional contracts that will provide a full gamut of services, including but not limited to Adult Day Services. Providers that currently serve veterans will be included as part of these networks.

Veteran Care Agreements will be allowed when the VA cannot, for any reason, secure Adult Day Services through a CCNC. VA medical centers will execute these agreements with providers like the current provider agreement structure. 

Note: Providers with existing contracts with the VA will eventually see those contracts expire and be either folded into a Community Care Network Contract or continued via a Veteran Care Agreements.