Stefanik Introduces Support Our Military Caregivers Act

Statement

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has introduced H.R. 3989, the Support Our Military Caregivers Act -- legislation to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Family Caregiver Program to help better support family members caring for seriously wounded veterans.

"Those who are hurt while protecting our nation deserve the best care we can provide, and this important legislation will help our Military Caregivers receive the benefits they need to take care of our heroes," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "Our district is home to more veterans than any district in New York, and it is important that we do what we can to take care of our wounded warriors, and to take care of those who give them care. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation that will make reforms to the Family Caregiver Program to give Military Caregivers the benefits they deserve."

The Family Caregiver Program, mandated by Congress in 2010, was designed to help support family members caring for seriously-wounded veterans in the post-9/11 era. Major features of the program include providing medical support for caregivers, who often suffer from health problems as they focus on the veteran's well-being, and providing stipends to compensate caregivers' time.

This program is currently experiencing delays in approval of benefits. Caregivers who are denied eligibility for the program or believe the Veteran's rating is not appropriate may appeal such decisions with the VA Medical Centers (VAMC) with the assistance of VA Caregiver Support Coordinators.

VA officials originally estimated that approximately 4,000 family caregivers would be approved for the program by this time. However, there were 15,600 approved with another 14,800 applications remaining. This unanticipated deluge has overwhelmed staff allocated for the program, causing a backlog.

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