Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2148
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-25T20:35:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act (H.R. 2148) seeks to enhance support for family caregivers of certain veterans by extending medical coverage, providing employment and training assistance, and exploring retirement options. It aims to help these caregivers transition back to work or retirement after their caregiving role ends, building on existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs for veteran support.
Key Provisions
- Extension of Medical Care Coverage: Primary caregivers designated under the VA's family caregiver program receive medical care coverage for an additional 180 days after their designation ends, unless they were removed for reasons like fraud, abuse, or mistreatment. However, caregivers eligible for Medicare hospital insurance during this period are not covered under this VA benefit.
- Employment and Training Assistance:
- Reimburses up to $1,000 lifetime for fees related to job certifications or relicensing.
- Provides free access to VA training modules for continuing professional education.
- Offers access to job placement programs from the Departments of Defense (e.g., Military OneSource) and Labor (e.g., Veterans' Employment and Training Service), plus relevant VA programs.
- This support is available during active participation in the caregiver program and for 180 days afterward (with the same exceptions for dismissal).
- Expanded Support Services:
- Includes retirement planning and counseling as part of available services.
- Provides training and support for transitioning out of caregiving for 180 days post-program (again, excluding those dismissed for misconduct).
- Adds specific help for returning to the workforce after leaving the program.
- Extends bereavement counseling and support to caregivers after the veteran's death.
- Studies and Reports:
- VA, in partnership with the Department of Labor, must study and report (within specified timelines) on creating a "returnship" program to help former caregivers re-enter the workforce.
- VA must study barriers to hiring former caregivers at VA facilities, including a plan to boost their employment and recommendations for action.
- VA, consulting with the Treasury and others, must report on the feasibility of establishing retirement savings plans (e.g., individual retirement accounts) or integrating caregivers into existing options.
- The Comptroller General (an independent auditor for Congress) must report within two years on VA efforts to help caregivers transition to work or retirement.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends sections 1781 and 1720G of title 38, United States Code, which govern VA medical benefits and the family caregiver assistance program:
- Adds a 180-day extension for medical coverage and support services post-designation, with exclusions for misconduct or Medicare eligibility—previously, coverage ended immediately upon removal.
- Introduces new subsections for employment assistance, retirement planning, workforce re-entry support, and bereavement services, which were not explicitly provided before.
- Expands existing service contracts/agreements to include transition training and requires multiple studies/reports, mandating new VA collaborations and accountability measures not in prior law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will face increased administrative duties, including benefit delivery, program expansions, and study/report production, potentially raising costs for reimbursements, training, and staffing. Other agencies like Labor, Defense, and Treasury may need to coordinate more closely, sharing resources for job programs and retirement feasibility assessments.
- On Citizens: Family caregivers gain financial, educational, and emotional support to ease life transitions, reducing economic hardship after caregiving. Veterans indirectly benefit through sustained family support. No direct impacts on international relations are evident, as the bill focuses on domestic veteran care.
- Broader Effects: Could improve caregiver retention in the program by offering "exit ramps," potentially enhancing overall veteran care quality while addressing workforce gaps in VA facilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family Caregivers: Primary beneficiaries, especially those caring for veterans with serious injuries or illnesses under the VA program; they receive extended benefits and transition aid.
- Veterans: Eligible veterans (those with post-9/11 service-connected needs) whose caregivers are supported, ensuring continued family stability.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Must implement changes, conduct studies, and report to Congress, affecting its budget and operations.
- Other Federal Entities: Departments of Labor, Defense, and Treasury provide input or resources; congressional committees (e.g., Veterans' Affairs) receive reports for oversight.
- Taxpayers: Indirectly impacted through federal funding for expanded benefits and studies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the VA's family caregiver program (established under the 2010 Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act) by filling gaps in post-caregiving support, without creating new entitlements—benefits tie to existing designations. Introduces limits (e.g., misconduct exclusions, Medicare offsets) to prevent overlap with other federal programs like Social Security.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to provide for veterans' welfare (via spending power and war powers), promoting family support without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Morelle and Ciscomani) signals broad appeal in supporting military families; emphasizes accountability through required reports, potentially influencing future VA funding debates without major controversies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-05: Subcommittee on Health Discharged
- 2025-06-12: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-04-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (9 pages)