TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act
TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act
Plain Language Summary
# TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve how it manages and communicates with veteran caregivers. Specifically, it would mandate that the VA formally document caregivers in veterans' health records and send clear, standardized notifications to both veterans and their caregivers whenever the VA makes decisions about caregiver benefits—such as approving claims, reducing assistance, or ending eligibility.
The bill also includes a provision to temporarily extend benefits under the VA's comprehensive caregiver assistance program. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects family members and other caregivers who support veterans, particularly those enrolled in two VA programs: the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. Veterans who rely on these caregivers would also be impacted by the improved communication and transparency. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.