Bill Overview
Title: INFORMS Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create fact sheets for veterans and survivors of deceased veterans to compare VA benefits and compensation, certain monthly insurance benefits under the Social Security Act, and supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled under the Social Security Act. The fact sheets must be updated at least annually. The VA must provide copies of such fact sheets whenever (1) an individual makes an initial claim for a benefit or compensation or a claim to increase a benefit or compensation; or (2) the VA notifies the individual it has denied a claim for, or decreased the amount of, a benefit or compensation.
Sponsors: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans and their survivors
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The bill targets veterans and their survivors in the U.S.
- There are approximately 17.4 million veterans in the United States as of the most recent data.
- The bill also targets survivors of deceased veterans, which adds additional numbers to the target population.
- The average family size in the U.S., according to recent census data, is about 3 people, suggesting substantial numbers of survivors for these veterans.
- The global target includes veterans and survivors in countries where the U.S. has deployed service members, though primarily impacts U.S. citizens.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to help veterans and their survivors understand the benefits available to them, potentially leading to better financial decisions and improved wellbeing.
- Given the target population of 25 million (including veterans and their survivors), the policy has to focus on delivering efficient and understandable information within budget constraints.
- A significant number of veterans might not feel the impact immediately if they aren't actively seeking benefits changes, while those frequently involved in the benefits claim process could find immediate relief and clarity.
- The policy might have disparate impacts based on age, current benefit usage, and familiarity with the benefits process.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a survivor, it's often overwhelming to figure out the benefits I'm entitled to.
- I hope the fact sheets will make it easier to understand and compare benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
IT Specialist (Columbus, OH)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I regularly adjust my benefits claims, and any clear information is helpful.
- Fact sheets might streamline how I manage my benefits, reducing errors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (San Diego, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel well-supported by my current benefits setup.
- Fact sheets are unlikely to change my understanding significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Easy-to-understand information is crucial for me.
- I hope the fact sheets will be available in languages other than English.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have a decent understanding of my benefits now, but more clarity is always good.
- The policy might make future claims easier as I enter the workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've found the process confusing and daunting.
- Regular updates and comparisons would greatly help me through this process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Financial Advisor (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am confident in managing my benefits due to my profession.
- Fact sheets are unlikely to add significant value to my current knowledge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Healthcare Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm in the process of transitioning to civilian life, so this could be helpful.
- I hope these resources are easily accessible and straightforward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software Developer (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initial application process is confusing.
- I would appreciate additional support in understanding my options.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Mechanic (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't rely heavily on VA benefits but appreciate having the information available.
- As a business owner, efficiency is key; fact sheets might help save time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15500000 (Low: $10500000, High: $20500000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $16500000 (Low: $11500000, High: $21500000)
Year 10: $17000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $22000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy will enhance knowledge and transparency of benefits available to U.S. veterans and their families.
- There might be an initial setup cost for information systems and training for VA staff to effectively disseminate the information.
- The policy could lead to increased demand for VA services as awareness of available benefits rises.