Washington D.C. – U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the VA Caregiver Continuity Act to protect veterans and caregivers in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (the Caregiver Program) from being discharged or having their support reduced because they do not meet the Veterans Administration (VA)’s new eligibility criteria. Hudson introduced this legislation alongside U.S. Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ).
“Fulfilling the promises made to our veterans from Fort Bragg and around the country is a top priority,” said Congressman Hudson. “That’s why I was proud to help pass the VA MISSION Act and expand the VA Caregiver Program to even more well-deserved veterans. I now look forward to advancing the bipartisan Veteran Caregiver Continuity Act to ensure veterans and caregivers who presently rely on the Caregiver Program will not lose their hard-earned benefits.”
"There's nothing more important than honoring the promises we've made to our nation's veterans. I saw their sacrifices firsthand when I worked as a civilian advisor in warzones overseas. So when my office heard from constituent caregivers that the benefits they've been using to help care for loved ones that proudly wore the uniform could be taken away, I knew we had to act,” said Congressman Kim. “That's why I'm proud to join with Congressman Hudson to author a policy that protects veteran caregiver benefits and upholds the promise we made to our veterans and their families when they signed up to serve."
The VA Caregiver Continuity Act would require the VA to permanently extend existing benefits for veterans who were enrolled in the Caregiver Program before September 2020 and who meet the VA’s Priority One Group criteria. Those who meet the VA’s Priority One Group criteria include veterans who (1) have a service-connected disability rating as 50% or more, (2) have a service-connected disability that the VA has concluded makes them unable to work, or (3) received the Medal of Honor.
This legislation would also require the VA to conduct outreach to veterans and caregivers already in the program who have received a notice that they would be reassessed, discharged, or have their benefits reduced as a result of the rule and inform them that they would remain in the program with their current benefits maintained.
As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, supporting veterans and their families stands as one of Hudson's top priorities. Throughout his time in Congress, Hudson has introduced numerous pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of veterans including the Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act and theCare Veterans Deserve Act.