The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act expands benefits and support for veteran caregivers, including extended medical coverage, employment assistance, and retirement planning resources.
Jerry Moran
Senator
KS
The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act extends medical care coverage for veteran caregivers and provides them with employment assistance, including reimbursement for certification fees, access to training modules, and support through various programs. It expands services to include retirement planning and assistance for returning to the workforce, while also mandating bereavement counseling. The Act further requires studies on returnship programs and hiring incentives for former caregivers, as well as a report on the feasibility of establishing retirement plans for them.
Veteran Caregiver Bill Offers 180 Days Extra Health Coverage, $1K for Job Certs, and Retirement Help
This bill, the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act, aims to provide a stronger support system for individuals designated as primary caregivers for veterans under the VA's program.
Bridging the Gap: Extended Healthcare
One major change is extending medical care coverage for these primary caregivers for 180 days after they are no longer designated in that role (Sec. 2). Think of it as a transition cushion. If someone stops being the primary caregiver – maybe the veteran's needs change or they pass away – they won't immediately lose their VA-provided health coverage. There are exceptions: this extension doesn't apply if the caregiver was removed due to fraud, abuse, or mistreatment, or if they're already eligible for Medicare Part A.
Back on Your Feet: Job Support and Training
The bill significantly ramps up employment assistance for primary caregivers, both during their service and for that same 180-day transition period afterward (Sec. 3). Key provisions include:
- Certification/Relicensure Fees: Reimbursement up to $1,000 to help caregivers maintain or regain professional credentials.
- Free Training: Access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) training modules, potentially useful for continuing education credits.
- Job Search Help: Connections to employment assistance through programs like Military OneSource and the Veterans Employment and Training Service.
This means someone who paused their career to provide care could get financial help renewing a license and access resources to find a new job.
Planning Ahead and Coping with Loss
Beyond immediate job needs, the bill introduces services focused on the future and difficult transitions (Sec. 3). Primary caregivers gain access to retirement planning services. Support for transitioning away from caregiving is also formalized, available for 180 days post-program. Crucially, the bill mandates bereavement counseling and support for caregivers following the death of the veteran they cared for.
Studying What Works: Future Improvements
The legislation doesn't just add benefits; it requires homework. The VA, sometimes partnering with the Department of Labor or Treasury, must conduct studies on several key areas (Sec. 3, 4, 5):
- Returnship Programs: Assessing the feasibility of programs designed specifically to help former caregivers re-enter the workforce.
- VA Hiring: Identifying barriers and incentives for hiring former primary caregivers within the VA itself, aiming to address staffing needs.
- Retirement Plans: Evaluating the possibility of establishing dedicated retirement plans or savings pathways for caregivers.
- Transition Support Assessment: The Comptroller General will report on how well the VA is currently supporting caregivers as they transition away from their roles.
These studies suggest an effort to understand the long-term challenges caregivers face and find sustainable ways to support them, from re-employment to retirement security.