Bill Overview
Title: Gerald’s Law Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies from a non-service-connected disability in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care).
Sponsors: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]
Target Audience
Population: veterans receiving VA hospice care
Estimated Size: 100000
- The bill affects veterans who are receiving hospice care from the VA, particularly those who die from non-service-connected disabilities.
- For a veteran to be affected by this bill, their hospice care must be directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care.
- These veterans can be either current recipients of VA care who meet the criteria or future recipients.
Reasoning
- Veterans affected by this policy are typically older, considering hospice care is the last stage of care for terminal illnesses.
- Due to the nature of the policy, many of these veterans would benefit more from peace of mind knowing their after-death arrangements are covered, likely affecting their subjective wellbeing scores.
- Many veterans have family dependents who will be relieved of the financial burden post-death, slightly raising their wellbeing scores as well.
Simulated Interviews
retired military officer (Florida)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about leaving behind debts for my family.
- This law gives me peace of mind regarding my funeral expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
retired nurse (California)
Age: 82 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is a relief not to worry about the financial aspect of my funeral.
- This act respects and cares for veterans in their final days.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
retired electrician (Texas)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was worried about my family struggling with funeral costs when I'm gone.
- This policy manages one of the many stressors in my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 1 |
retired high school teacher (New York)
Age: 89 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy alleviates a significant burden from my family.
- I'm grateful that the government cares about funerals for veterans who served the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
retired accountant (Ohio)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel more at ease with this policy in place, less stress for me and my children.
- It's a smart move to honor veterans in this manner.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
disabled veteran (Washington)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am relieved that my parents don't have to bear the cost of my burial.
- This takes off a significant pressure from my shoulders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
retired construction worker (Georgia)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every bit helps and this policy does just that.
- My main concern is my wife's well-being after I'm gone, and this helps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
retired librarian (Montana)
Age: 87 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always been prudent with my expenses, but this is a welcome assurance.
- Funds for a dignified farewell is comforting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
retired firefighter (Illinois)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives me peace at last, knowing my funeral will be managed.
- It's nice to know I won't leave burdens beyond memories.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
retired chef (Virginia)
Age: 81 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financially, this is a major relief.
- I'm thankful to not have to worry about these expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1050000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $1071000000 (Low: $920000000, High: $1230000000)
Year 3: $1092420000 (Low: $940000000, High: $1260000000)
Year 5: $1136000000 (Low: $980000000, High: $1310000000)
Year 10: $1225052520 (Low: $1056000000, High: $1412000000)
Year 100: $2450000000 (Low: $2100000000, High: $2800000000)
Key Considerations
- The size of the impacted veteran population will significantly determine annual costs.
- Changes in the average cost of funerals due to market conditions or inflation will affect the budget needed for this policy.
- The current fiscal environment and priorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs may require adjustments or reallocations of existing budgets.
- Potential challenges include accurately tracking eligibility and ensuring a smooth administrative process for claims.