Bill Overview
Title: RESPECT Act of 2022
Description: This bill implements various changes to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, including by expanding program eligibility to family caregivers of veterans who are in need of personal care services due to a diagnosed mental illness or history of suicidal ideation within the past three years that puts the veteran at risk of self-harm.
Sponsors: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Target Audience
Population: Family caregivers of veterans needing personal care services for mental health issues or suicidal ideation history
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill focuses on family caregivers of veterans who need assistance due to mental illness or suicidal ideation.
- Statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicate there are over 20 million veterans in the United States.
- Research indicates that approximately 11-20% of veterans experience PTSD and related mental health issues, indicating a significant portion could benefit from the program.
- It is reasonable to assume that family caregivers roughly equate to one caregiver per veteran affected, at least in the U.S., but globally, veteran demographics can vary.
- Globally, estimating caregivers is challenging due to different military sizes and veteran care systems.
Reasoning
- The policy is specifically targeted at family caregivers of veterans, particularly those dealing with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. There is a significant portion of veterans facing these challenges, thereby necessitating caregiver support.
- The budget allocation indicates a focus on enhancing the support structures and broadening eligibility for such caregivers, expanding from the current tens of thousands to potentially incorporating hundreds of thousands of caregivers in need.
- Estimating wellbeing changes requires understanding not only the direct eligibility expansion but also the indirect impacts of improved caregiver conditions on the veterans themselves, who may experience enhanced wellbeing as a result.
- The population is diverse, with geographic, age, gender, and socioeconomic variance influencing the specific impact and well-being outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
full-time caregiver (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, a recognition of the critical role caregivers like me play in supporting our veterans. It's been challenging managing both the emotional and physical burdens without financial and structured support.
- With the new policy, I hope to get some relief and recognition, maybe even training that could help me be a better caregiver.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
software engineer (Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems promising but I'm uncertain how much it will actually cover or help. We might transition to a more permanent caregiver role if possible.
- It's somewhat reassuring to know there are policies looking to assist, but implementation and access will be crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired nurse (Florida)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been clamoring for something like this for years. My caregiving stretches my resources thin, especially at my age.
- The hope is that official backing and resources will lessen some of our burdens. I worry about bureaucratic hurdles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
part-time teacher (Ohio)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that recognizes mental health and caregiving is a step forward. Our struggle is not just emotional but financial as well.
- With policy aid, I could perhaps focus more on emotional support and less on financial stress, which is a relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
social worker (New York)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm cautious but hopeful; policies can be empowering if executed well. Having extra support services would help align better care for my father.
- I fear that without proper checks, resources may not fully reach those in dire need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
freelance journalist (Washington D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like a beneficial program for those whose families support their rehabilitation process.
- I encourage policy tracking to ensure it genuinely reaches intended caregivers.
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 | 7 | 7 |
nurse (Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced support for caregivers can indirectly aid organizations like ours. It means families are more stable at home, lessening our emergency intervention.
- It promises longstanding positive effects, provided it's sustained over years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
small business owner (Colorado)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More structured support for caregivers would alleviate some of the unpredictability of caring for someone with mental health issues.
- I'm optimistic about its potential for helping us balance work and personal responsibilities better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
retired teacher (Oregon)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efforts like these, although late, could breathe hope into our situation by giving us more structured aid.
- However, it demands seamless execution and continued focus over years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
full-time caregiver (New Mexico)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reforms in caregiver support are absolutely needed; it can lighten both financial and emotional loads, which are significant.
- I hope the benefits are continuous and not just present in the first few years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $750000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $850000000)
Year 2: $775000000 (Low: $670000000, High: $880000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $690000000, High: $910000000)
Year 5: $850000000 (Low: $735000000, High: $975000000)
Year 10: $950000000 (Low: $820000000, High: $1080000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- The size of the veteran population eligible for this program under the new eligibility criteria.
- Potential administrative challenges and costs associated with expanding program scope.
- Long-term sustainability of financial support for caregivers.
- Impact of additional funding on existing healthcare facilities and resources, particularly those dealing with mental health services for veterans.