S. 2216 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2216 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 23, 2019 Mr. Peters (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to formally recognize caregivers of veterans, notify veterans and caregivers of clinical determinations relating to eligibility for caregiver programs, and temporarily extend benefits for veterans who are determined ineligible for the family caregiver program, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act. 2. Modification of administration of caregiver program of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Official designation of caregivers (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall formally recognize all caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver of a veteran in the health record of the veteran. (2) Inclusion Caregivers recognized under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) family caregivers participating in the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers under subsection (a) of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code; and (B) caregivers participating in the program of support services for caregivers under subsection (b) of such section. (b) Notification letters regarding clinical determinations (1) In general The Secretary, using a standardized letter, shall notify veterans and caregivers of veterans regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims under, or eligibility for, a caregiver program under subsection (a) or (b) of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code. (2) Elements Notifications under paragraph (1) shall include the elements required for notices of decisions under section 5104(b) of title 38, United States Code, to the extent that those elements apply to claims or eligibility determinations under paragraph (1). (c) Temporary extension of benefits for family caregiver program (1) In general Upon determining that a veteran who was receiving services under the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code, is no longer clinically eligible for purposes of such program, the Secretary shall extend benefits under such program, including stipends under paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(V) of such section, for not less than 90 days after the date of notification under subsection (b) that the veteran is no longer clinically eligible. (2) Exclusion Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits— (A) for cause, including— (i) noncompliance with requirements of the program; or (ii) fraud; (B) because the veteran died; or (C) upon request of the caregiver or the veteran.