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Congress·Reported·S. 879

Bipartisan Bill Proposes 180 Days of Health Insurance and Job Training for Veteran Caregivers

Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act

8 months ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • The bill provides family caregivers with 180 extra days of health insurance after they stop providing care. This helps them stay covered while they look for a new job or transition to a different life stage, as long as they aren't already on Medicare.
  • Caregivers would receive up to $1,000 to pay for professional licenses or certifications needed for work. They would also get free access to government training modules and job-hunting help from the Department of Labor and the military.
  • The VA would offer retirement planning services and grief counseling to help families after a veteran passes away. This recognizes that caregiving is a full-time job that often prevents people from saving for their own future or career.
  • The government would study how to hire former caregivers for jobs at the VA and look into creating special retirement savings accounts for them. This aims to help caregivers turn their experience into a long-term career or financial security.
VeteransHealthcareLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones5 actions
Jul 30, 2025Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

May 21, 2025Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

May 21, 2025Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.

Mar 6, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mar 6, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 6-12 months of enactment

180-day extended health coverage and employment assistance become available to caregivers leaving the VA caregiver program

Family caregivers who stop providing care for veterans will keep their VA health coverage for six more months and can get up to $1,000 for job certifications, free training, and help finding work.

One year after enactment

VA completes studies on returnship programs, hiring former caregivers, and retirement savings options

The government will have concrete plans for whether to create special job re-entry programs, hire former caregivers at VA hospitals, and set up retirement savings accounts for caregivers — all of which could lead to bigger benefits down the road.

Two years after enactment

GAO report evaluates how well the VA is helping caregivers transition away from caregiving

An independent review will tell Congress whether the new benefits are actually working, which could lead to improvements or expansions of the program.

Related Bills

1 bill
H.R. 2148Related bill

Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act

Feb 12 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act

Bill NumberS 879
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)
D: 2R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.