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The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) expired May 11, 2023, and some of VA’s pandemic-related authorities expired 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 contact us. 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 PHE impacts 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 ended 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 resumes enforcement of HIPAA Rules regarding telehealth. VA resumes 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 specific circumstances, such as when VA Video Connect is unavailable.
Prescribing Controlled Medicines
During the PHE, VA clinicians were able to prescribe controlled medicines to Veterans following a telehealth examination without first having an in-person examination. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have announced a temporary rule that will extend the current PHE related flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications, VA’s prescribing flexibility did not expire with the end of the public health emergency. Additionally, DEA, in concert with Health and Human Services 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.
As of May 11, 2023, Veterans can no longer 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 our 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.
Expiration of SAVE LIVES Act authority
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. As of May 11, 2023, VA no longer has legal authority to provide vaccinations to anyone other than Veterans who are eligible for health care. 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.
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