Kean Introduces Bill to Provide Extended Care Services to Spouses of Veterans
(September 3, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has introduced the Home Health Aides for Veterans’ Spouses Act, a bill that would allow veterans who are over the age of 75 to defer their home health aide benefits to their spouses in extenuating circumstances.
This legislation was inspired by a 92-year-old Berkeley Heights veteran, Mr. John O’Connor, who requested that a VA home health aide assist his wife. The VA would not permit this and rejected this veteran’s appeal numerous times despite his pleas. Spouses of veterans can only obtain VA home health aide benefits upon the passing of their veteran spouse. This issue leaves some with limited to no access to home health aide services.
“Just as veterans have given so much in service to our country, their spouses have given just as much in support and sacrifice,” said Congressman Kean. “This commonsense legislation was a direct response to Mr. O’Connor’s concern. He was informed by the VA that the only way he would be able to pass these benefits on to his wife were to pass away himself. The VA should have the leeway to share these benefits with veterans’ spouses if the need arises. I appreciate Mr. O’Connor reaching out to my office and sharing his story.”
“I am interested in other veterans who are faced with the same issues I have and are really in difficult situation,” said Mr. John O’Connor. “They are unable to adequately take care of their spouse, either financially or socially. No one is the VA was going to fight for us. Only Congressman Kean made that effort. We both appreciate it.”
Other key efforts Congressman Kean has taken to support veterans:
- Sponsored H.R.4171 - Driving Veterans Success Act, which requires that at least 10% of the funds under specified infrastructure programs are expended through Veteran owned small businesses.
- Sponsored H.R.7613 - Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2024 to provide for a limitation on the amount of entitlement to educational assistance payable for flight training under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Co-Sponsored Rep. Levin's H.R.984 - Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which authorizes the Department of Veteran's Affairs to provide grants to states to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families. Focusing first on areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line.
- Co-Sponsored Rep. Mast's H.R.562 - Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023, which creates new ways for Veterans to access their Congressional Representatives to most effectively receive the assistance they deserve.
- Co-Sponsored Rep. Sherrill's H.R.733 - Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2023 which sets a minimum number of Vet Centers in each state, ensuring Veterans and their families access to any social or psychological service they may need.
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
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