VA Community Care Network Program Supports Veterans with Home Care and More in West Pasco & Pinellas Counties
Author: Debbie Humphrey
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is celebrated each year on the last Monday of May, and it is a time when we commemorate the heroes and sheroes of our United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
I also choose to remember veterans this time of year, because many of them lost brothers and sisters in arms throughout conflicts overseas. I know that Veterans have their day of commemoration in November, but I think that anytime we can honor veterans, we should.
Veterans are a special breed. They have courageously served our country here and abroad in ways the majority of us will never fully understand.
I feel honored and privileged that Home Helpers has provided home health care services to veterans in Pinellas and West Pasco Counties since 2017, as our way of giving back to those who reside throughout our area communities.
This week, I will explain more about the VACCN program and how it supports veterans and their families with home care and more in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties.
The VACCN program provides eligible veterans with access to healthcare services outside of traditional VA medical facilities. VACCN allows veterans to receive care from authorized, credentialed community providers when VA facilities are unable to provide necessary, timely healthcare services or when it’s more convenient for the veterans themselves.
The following outlines more about the VACCN program:
Eligibility. Veterans may be eligible for VACCN community carebased on factors: distance from VA facilities, wait times for medical appointments, medical needs, and availability of VA services.
Referral Process. To receive a referral to see a community provider, an assessment of the veteran’s healthcare needs by their VA provider is performed to determine if community care is necessary.
Authorization. Once a referral is made, the VA authorizes the veteran to receive care from a community provider. The VA authorization ensures that the veteran’s healthcare expenses are covered by the VA.
Healthcare Services. Community care services span a wide range of healthcare needs, including diagnostic testing, home health care, hospice care, mental health services, preventative care, primary care, skilled nursing care, and specialty care.
Community Providers. The VA partners with a network of community providers to deliver services to eligible veterans. To be a VA-approved provider, they must meet certain standards and qualifications established by the VA to ensure the quality of care. Veterans are free to choose a home care provider, as long as the in-home care agency is credentialed.
Billing and Payment. The VA is responsible for paying community providers for services rendered to eligible veterans. Billing and payment processes are managed by the VA, and veterans typically do not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for authorized community care services.
Coordination of Care. The VA emphasizes coordination of care between VA facilities and community providers to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare services. This may include sharing medical records, communicating treatment plans, and collaborating on patient care.
Patient Experience. The goal of VACCN is to improve the overall patient experience for veterans by providing them with greater choice, flexibility, and access to healthcare services that meet their needs.
Enrollment. Enrolling in the VACCN program involves several steps discussed above. It is important to note that the enrollment process and specific procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances and VA healthcare facilities. Veterans should consult with their healthcare provider or the VACCN staff for personalized guidance and assistance with enrollment.
Home Helpers® is a VA-approved home care agency that successfully provides in-home care services for veterans in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Our goal is to be your family when family can’t be there, so the home care services we provide are always personalized to meet the veteran’s needs and designed to help veterans and spouses maintain their independence, avoid isolation, and stay safe and comfortable at home.
Our care services include but are not limited to companionship, meal planning and preparation, personal care, homemaker services, specialized care, 24-hour care, 24-hour monitoring, transportation assistance, and more. In addition, caregiving support services can be provided anywhere the veteran calls home: hospitals, retirement communities, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities.
If you have any questions about the VACCN program, I am happy to share information and resources during a FREE Consultation at your convenience. At that time, I can assess specific needs, create a custom care plan, and find the perfect professional caregiver to deliver VA-approved caregiving services in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties to make life easier for you or a veteran you love.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.
Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539