Bill Overview
Title: TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act
Description: 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.
Sponsors: Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
Target Audience
Population: Caregivers of veterans
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill affects caregivers who are identified in the health records of veterans.
- It specifically involves those in the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services.
- These programs are designed to aid caregivers of veterans, focusing on support and protection of their roles.
- Clarification and standardization of communication regarding decisions related to caregiver programs could affect the quality of service and support available to millions of caregivers globally.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly impacts caregivers enrolled in the VA caregiver programs. These individuals provide essential support for veterans and are directly involved with their care, which impacts their ability to assist veterans effectively.
- Not all caregivers will experience the policy's benefits or changes immediately. Some may not be aware or directly involved in policy-related gains or decisions, especially if they aren't facing immediate changes to their caregiving status.
- The policy aims to provide more formal recognition and better communication of program-related decisions, which could affect caregivers' well-being positively by reducing uncertainty and stress.
- Given the budget constraints, the immediate impact is somewhat limited, as only a fraction of total caregivers can be significantly served within the first year, necessitating a focus on high-impact cases or regions.
Simulated Interviews
Full-time caregiver (Colorado)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Formal recognition in health records will help in accessing more streamlined services.
- Extension of benefits is crucial, especially when transitioning after termination.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Part-time caregiver/student (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better communication will alleviate stress related to sudden program changes.
- Temporary extension provides a cushion when I balance caregiving with studies.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Retired, part-time caregiver (Ohio)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have yet to see how this policy will impact me directly, as we're not in a formal program.
- The clarity in communication might influence our future consideration for programs.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Caregiver and health aide (California)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Formal recognition is less relevant to professionals not associated with family-related support.
- The policy seems more beneficial to family caregivers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer, part-time caregiver (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might encourage us to join the program for better support.
- Temporary extension could be decisive for our unstable financials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Retired nurse (Florida)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly applicable to me in my role as a volunteer.
- However, clearer communications can inspire trust in VA operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Caregiver and high-school teacher (Virginia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Useful for administrative updates, but my role remains the same.
- Extension might create opportunities to safeguard services despite minor setbacks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Unemployed, full-time caregiver (Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anxiety over program termination is reduced with temporary benefits.
- Eases transition into job market with assured short-term support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Retired (Michigan)
Age: 60 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clearer communication with the VA is very welcome.
- Temporary extension is favorable but need to navigate personal logistic challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Full-time worker, part-time caregiver (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While beneficial to full-time caregivers, the policy impacts peripheral caregivers indirectly.
- It's the assurance more than immediate benefits that counts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $41000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $57000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $68000000)
Year 10: $64000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $79000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Key Considerations
- The long-term sustainability of the programs relies on both IT infrastructure upgrades and personnel management to handle increased administration demands.
- Potential cost savings from improved caregiver support are difficult to quantify but crucial for long-term cost-benefit analysis.
- The burden of extended benefits could escalate if the number of participants exceeding 90 days increases, pressuring the VA budget.
- Inflationary pressures might adjust nominal costs and savings.