TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act
The TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to officially recognize all veterans’ caregivers in the veteran’s health records, covering both family caregivers who participate in the comprehensive assistance program (1720G(a)) and those receiving support services (1720G(b)). It would mandate standardized notifications to veterans and caregivers about clinical determinations that affect caregiver program eligibility or benefits (such as claims decisions, tier reductions, or termination of assistance). It also provides a temporary safety net: if a veteran currently receiving benefits under the family caregiver program is later found not clinically eligible, the VA would extend those benefits for at least 90 days after notice. The bill includes several exceptions to this extension, including fraud, changes in primary caregiver within 90 days, introduction of a new caregiver within 90 days (resulting in three caregivers), a caregiver moving out or ending the relationship, or at the request of the veteran or caregiver.
Key Points
- 1Official designation: VA must formally recognize all veteran caregivers by recording them in the veteran’s health record, covering both the family caregiver program and the support services program under 38 U.S.C. 1720G.
- 2Standardized notifications: VA must send uniform letters to veterans and caregivers about any clinical determinations affecting claims, tier reductions, or termination of caregiver program eligibility, using the notice elements required for standard VA decisions where applicable.
- 3Temporary extension of benefits: If a veteran loses clinical eligibility for the family caregiver program, benefits (including stipends) must be extended for at least 90 days after the notice of ineligibility.
- 4Exceptions to extension: The 90-day continuation does not apply if fraud/abuse is found, if another primary caregiver is designated within 90 days, if a third caregiver is added within 90 days, if the caregiver moves out or ends the relationship, or if either the veteran or caregiver requests termination.
- 5Scope of programs: Applies to both the comprehensive assistance for family caregivers (1720G(a)) and the caregiver support services program (1720G(b)).