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: Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans receiving VA hospice care who die from non-service-connected disabilities
Estimated Size: 100000
- The bill affects veterans receiving VA hospice care who die from non-service-connected disabilities.
- The bill is specific to those who received VA hospital or nursing home care directly preceding hospice care.
- According to VA data, there are approximately 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, many of whom might transition to hospice care.
- Hospice care typically involves terminally ill veterans, thus affecting a significant number due to the aging veteran population.
Reasoning
- The target population is approximately 100,000 veterans who are likely to receive VA hospice care and are potentially eligible for the burial and funeral allowances from Gerald's Law Act.
- The budget limits suggest targeting a significant number of veterans each year, possibly requiring prioritization based on financial need or service history.
- The population considered is diverse, including different branches of military service backgrounds, ages, and genders. Some veterans may live in urban areas with more accessible VA facilities, while others in rural areas face unique challenges.
- The policy impact will vary: those directly receiving burial and funeral allowances will have a high impact, while others might perceive changes in community support or resources.
Simulated Interviews
retired (Texas)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would greatly help my family with burial expenses.
- It's a relief to have such support from the VA after my service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired nurse (Florida)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives peace of mind knowing my children won't have to worry about funeral costs.
- I always hoped for support like this from the VA.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
retired factory worker (Ohio)
Age: 83 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even without family, I feel it's a great honor to have a dignified end supported by the VA.
- It shows respect for the service veterans provided.
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 | 1 |
retired teacher (California)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel grateful for the acknowledgment this policy offers us veterans.
- This helps ease the burden on our families.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
retired engineer (New York)
Age: 77 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having this policy in place lifts a significant financial stress off my family.
- It’s crucial for the VA to provide such support for the last rites of veterans.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
retired mechanic (Michigan)
Age: 70 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy reinforces the commitment to veterans' care even in death.
- It's a great testament to how the country values its service members.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
retired (Alabama)
Age: 89 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might not directly impact me now, but I applaud the VA for supporting my fellow veterans.
- Knowing there is support for my peers comforts me.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired (Colorado)
Age: 74 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy reassures me that there's a safety net for my family if I need hospice care later.
- I hope this could be expanded for broader coverage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
retired army (Virginia)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'd like this policy to potentially cover broader aspects for veterans’ funerals.
- It’s a start, but more is needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
retired (Pennsylvania)
Age: 82 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this is an excellent step towards honoring those who served.
- I may not need it now, but it’s comforting to have this assurance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $120000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $150000000)
Year 2: $122400000 (Low: $102000000, High: $153000000)
Year 3: $124848000 (Low: $104040000, High: $156060000)
Year 5: $129792960 (Low: $108162000, High: $162521400)
Year 10: $142576500 (Low: $118882200, High: $178122540)
Year 100: $284759480 (Low: $237764400, High: $356245080)
Key Considerations
- The population eligible for benefits under this policy might grow as the veteran population ages.
- Funeral costs can vary widely depending on regional factors and service types.
- The estimate assumes consistent policy implementation without significant unplanned administrative costs.