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Critter Corner: New Law Gives a Significant Boost to Veterans and Their Caregivers

Hayek 1Dear Hayek,

I heard that a new law was recently enacted that enhances the delivery of services for veterans, their families, their caregivers, and their survivors. Can you tell me more about it?

Vetta Rinns

Dear Vetta,

In May 2024, several stalled bills were combined into the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. On Jan. 2, President Biden signed the legislation into law. This new law is the largest expansion of VA services since the PACT Act. A guiding principle of the Elizabeth Dole Act is to allow veterans to be taken care of at home.

Because so many bills were wrapped up in this omnibus legislation, the new law includes many proposals that enhance and reform the delivery of services at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Highlights of Veterans’ Bill from Your Elder Law Attorneys in Virginia, Maryland, and DC

This 90-provision law will hopefully improve veteran health care, unless it is dismantled by the new administration. These are some of the highlights:

  • Section 120 increases the reimbursement cap for disabled veterans being cared for at home, allowing them to afford lifesaving ventilators and other durable equipment, while guaranteeing cost-savings to the American taxpayer.
  • Section 122 offers essential mental health services to caregivers, providing vital support to combat burnout and emotional exhaustion.
  • Section 124 mandates that the VA provide detailed explanations and information about alternative services to caregivers denied by the Caregiver Program. This ensures that caregivers, who are already dedicating everything to support an ill veteran, are not left feeling abandoned and lost with just a denial letter.
  • Section 143 ensures that when a veteran experiences a service-connected health crisis in a rural state, the transportation to care is covered and finances are not part of the veteran’s decision to pursue care.
  • Section 301 provides burial services to veterans who die at home while in receipt of hospice care provided by VA. Most veterans prefer to die at home, but the process is difficult for their loved ones; this removes the additional financial burden of burial.
  • Section 302 will bring veterans’ services to rural counties and Native Territories across the country, so veterans who choose to live in these communities can enjoy the same level of care as those who live in dense communities.
  • Section 303 protects the loved ones of service members who have passed away by repealing the outdated law investigating Gold Star spouses for alleged remarriage.

These are only a handful of examples of the 90-section bill that will hopefully help caregivers who care for veterans who came home sick or injured. Together with the PACT Act, it shows we can honor our veterans and their families through perseverance so every veteran and caregiver will get the dignity, respect and care they deserve.

The Farr Law Firm consists of both highly experienced Elder Law Attorneys, Veterans Benefits Attorneys, and Trusts and Estates lawyers in our locations in: Fairfax, VA; Fredericksburg, VA; Rockville, MD; Annapolis, MD; and Washington, DC. You can depend on the attorneys at the Farr Law Firm for Veterans Aid and Attendance, Medicaid Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Incapacity Planning, and Long-term Care Planning. Read additional articles about Veterans’ Planning on the Farr Law Firm blog!

All my best,

Hayek

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