H.R. 1802 – Reading Mode

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1802

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 30, 2017

Ms. Esty (for herself, Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Murphy of Pennsylvania, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, and Mrs. Radewagen) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To expand eligibility for the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Caregivers Access and Responsible Expansion for All Veterans Act or the CARE for All Veterans Act.

Expansion of eligibility for participation in family caregiver program of Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)

Expansion of eligibility

Subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: , or, in accordance with paragraph (11), has such an injury or illness that was so incurred or aggravated before such date.

(b)

Clarification of eligibility for illness

Such subsection is further amended by inserting or illness after serious injury.

(c)

Expansion of needed services in eligibility criteria

Subsection (a)(2)(C) of such section is amended—

(1)

in clause (ii), by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;

(2)

by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and

(3)

by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause (iii):

(iii)

a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision in completing two or more instrumental activities of daily living; or

(d)

Eligibility for assistance

Subsection (a) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(11)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a family caregiver of an eligible veteran who is eligible under paragraph (2) solely because of a serious injury or illness (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service before September 11, 2001, is eligible for assistance under this subsection as follows:

(A)

Not earlier than October 1, 2019, if the family caregiver would merit a monthly personal caregiver stipend under paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(V) in an amount that is in the highest tier specified in the schedule established by the Secretary under paragraph (3)(C)(i).

(B)

Not earlier than October 1, 2021, if the family caregiver would merit such a stipend in an amount that is in the middle tier specified in such schedule.

(C)

Not earlier than October 1, 2023, if the family caregiver would merit such a stipend in an amount that is in the lowest tier specified in such schedule.