Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017
Proposals are grouped into broad types, with specific topics within each category
Proposal Overview
Name: Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017
Congress: 115th
Year: 2017
Sponsor and Co-Sponsors
Sponsor:
Representative James Langevin (D-RI)
Co-Sponsors:
94 Bipartisan cosponsors
Related Bills from Prior Congresses
Program Details
Overview: This bill protects veterans and caregivers from losing benefits due to regulatory eligibility changes. It ensures that priority veterans are not removed from the caregiver program due to rule changes.
Eligibility Expansion
Eligible individuals include those with a serious illness (in addition to an injury) and those who need instruction or supervision to properly function in daily life.
Service Expansion
Services are expanded to include financial planning and legal services, respite care, and peer support activities.
Modification of Monthly Family Caregiver Stipend Calculation
Revises the stipend calculation to reflect caregiver-reported supervision needs; the needs and limitations of the veteran; the extent to which the veteran can function safely and independently in the absence of caregiver support; and the time required from the family caregiver.
Assistance for Family Caregivers
In addition to the monthly stipend, family caregivers may receive respite care, caregiver training, mental health support, technical assistance, and more.
Transfer of Educational Assistance
Educational benefits available to the veteran that remain unused may be transferred to their spouse and/or children, up to the limit of 18 to 36 months. The monthly rate of educational assistance transferred to a dependent is payable on the same basis it would have been paid to the veteran.
Inter-Agency Workgroup
Establishes an inter-agency workgroup on caregiver policy for Veterans within the Executive Branch, including subject matter experts and representation from each of the following agencies or organizations: The Department of Veterans Affairs; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Labor; and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Financing & Implementation
Program Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Revenue Source(s)
Not specified
Program Cost Estimate
Not specified