Bill Overview
Title: To provide eligibility for veterans benefits for individuals who served in the United States merchant marine in the Southeast Asia theater of operations during the Vietnam Era.
Description: This bill requires that the service of specified U.S. merchant marines be considered as active duty for purposes of determining the individual's eligibility for veterans benefits. Specifically, the bill applies to merchant marines who served as crewmembers of vessels in oceangoing service during the Vietnam Era in the Southeast Asia theater of operations and receive a certificate of honorable discharge.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who served in the US merchant marine in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill targets U.S. merchant marines who served during the Vietnam Era, specifically in the Southeast Asia theater of operations.
- Only those who have an honorable discharge are eligible, narrowing the population slightly to those with qualifying service records.
- Merchant marines are a niche group compared to the larger veteran population, so the number of people impacted is relatively small.
- Considering the time frame of the Vietnam Era (approximately mid-1950s to mid-1970s), many of the affected individuals may be elderly, as it has been decades since their service.
Reasoning
- This policy specifically targets a small group within the general veteran population, namely U.S. merchant marines who served in the Vietnam Era, particularly in Southeast Asia. Given the niche nature of this group and the specific requirements of service and discharge status, the number of individuals directly impacted is limited.
- Considering the age of the population served (likely individuals in their 70s or older), the focus is on potential changes in quality of life, primarily through access to veterans benefits which could impact financial security, healthcare, and general wellbeing.
- Budget considerations suggest that the program covers both immediate and long-term benefits, with a substantial budget allocation for the first year possibly going towards processing and initial benefit distributions, while longer-term allowances maintain existing benefits.
- The impact of the policy can vary significantly among those who are eligible — from deeply improving life for those currently struggling without benefits, to only moderate improvements for those already receiving some form of retirement or benefit support.
Simulated Interviews
Retired merchant marine (Seattle, WA)
Age: 76 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy finally recognizes the contributions of merchant marines like myself, which is long overdue.
- Receiving veterans' benefits would help me manage my healthcare costs, which have been a burden since retirement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Retired (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 78 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although my husband has passed, knowing that these benefits would support widows would greatly help my financial stability.
- Prescription costs are overwhelming, and this change could bring some much-needed relief.
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 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Part-time consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wasn't expecting any additional benefits, but having them would definitely be appreciated in managing health care and living expenses.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 82 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive step by our government. Many merchant marines have felt overlooked.
- I look forward to using any extra benefits to support veteran-related activities locally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Community volunteer coordinator (Miami, FL)
Age: 74 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy is beneficial to some peers, my situation is stable, and direct impact might be limited, but I support it wholeheartedly for those who need it.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired dock worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 79 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally getting the recognition for our services. I hope this policy brings long-lasting support to all those in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Retired architect (New York, NY)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will put some much-needed focus on merchant marines. It feels good to be included in veterans' conversations.
- For me, it reinforces the camaraderie and recognition we lacked.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 77 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional benefits could ease my financial concerns, especially healthcare related. This is a welcomed change for many.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Retired engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 83 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The benefits aren't a necessity for me personally, but I am thrilled others will receive aid. It's a moral victory as much as a practical one.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 81 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been advocating for something like this for years. The policy change will be a godsend for many of my peers.
- I'm hopeful this will open more doors for medical care access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $408000000, High: $612000000)
Year 3: $520200000 (Low: $416160000, High: $624240000)
Year 5: $540809041 (Low: $432647232, High: $648970849)
Year 10: $592640185 (Low: $474112148, High: $711168223)
Year 100: $1708000000 (Low: $1366400000, High: $2049600000)
Key Considerations
- The age and health status of the target population suggests high utilization of healthcare benefits, potentially increasing the overall costs.
- Determining eligibility and confirming honorable discharge certifications could involve administrative expenses.
- Veterans benefits often have precedential implications; providing these benefits now may lead others to request similar expansions.