Last progress March 14, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on March 14, 2025 by Joseph Morelle
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill expands help for family members who are the main caregivers for certain veterans in the VA’s caregiver program. It keeps their VA medical coverage for 180 days after they leave the program, unless they already have Medicare or were removed for fraud, abuse, or mistreatment . It also adds grief counseling and support after the veteran passes away. Caregivers can get job help, including up to $1,000 to cover certification or license fees, free access to VA training for continuing education, and connections to Military OneSource and the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. These supports are available while caregiving and for 180 days after leaving the program, unless removed for fraud, abuse, or mistreatment. The VA must also offer retirement planning services to primary family caregivers.
The bill requires extra help when caregiving ends, including training and support to transition away from caregiving, and help returning to the workforce after discharge or dismissal (again, not if removed for fraud, abuse, or mistreatment). It orders studies and reports: a VA–Labor “returnship” study to help caregivers reenter the workforce (report due within 180 days after the study), a study on hiring former caregivers at VA facilities (with a plan to increase opportunities), a GAO report on how well VA supports caregivers leaving caregiving, and a report on whether to create or connect caregivers to a retirement savings plan.