Bill Expands Education, Support, Counseling Services to Families, Caregivers

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in unanimously approving legislation that provides support services to family and non-family caregivers of veterans. The Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act, H.R. 3155, provides educational materials, and access to support services like counseling, mental health services, and respite care to family and non-family caregivers of veterans.  The legislation also provides health care and a stipend for eligible caregivers of severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.  

“The United States must remain committed to addressing the needs of America’s service men and women as well as those of their families,” commented Rep. Baca.  “Family caregiving is of the utmost importance to the successful recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of wounded warriors into their communities.  I am pleased the House of Representatives worked together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this meaningful legislation supporting military families and caregivers.” 

Key provisions of H.R. 3155 include:

• Creating a new caregiver program in the VA health care system to help family and non-family members who provide care for disable or injured veterans;
• Providing support services to family and caregivers of veterans, including educational sessions on how to best care for those injured or disabled veterans;
• Making counseling and mental health services available to family and caregivers of veterans;
• Providing monthly financial stipends to primary family caregivers; and
• Expanding eligibility in the Civilian Health and Medical Program within the VA to primary family caregivers who are without health insurance.

“As an Army veteran myself, I am all too aware of the hardships our military men and women and their families endure to protect our country,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “It is imperative our nation do all it can to honor the sacrifice of these brave individuals and their families.  By providing caregivers of injured veterans with necessary training and support, we not only ease their burden, but also assist our wounded warriors in making a successful recovery and transition into society.”