So, you’ve been back for a while; longer than it feels. Many have thanked you for what you’ve given, but now it’s time for you to give yourself some long-overdue care.
Are you enrolled in the VA Healthcare system? If not, it’s time. The VA Healthcare system opens doors to many other benefits beyond traditional healthcare. Here’s a new benefit that can help you and your family. It’s expected to roll-out sometime in 2020.
The Comprehensive Family Caregiver Benefit
In addition to the VA’s commonly known Aid and Attendance benefit, VA Healthcare currently also offers The Family Caregiver Benefit (Public Law 111-163). This benefit authorizes compensation to be paid directly to a veteran’s family member, or designated eligible family friend, for providing care to a qualified veteran who:
– served during specified dates of the Post 9/11 war era, and
– is enrolled in the VA Healthcare system.
In 2018, an update to PL 111-163 was proposed called the Comprehensive Family Caregiver Benefit (Bill 115-182). It expands the current benefit to include some previous war eras. Bill 115-182 is expected to pass sometime in 2020.
To learn which war eras it will include and if you’re eligible, go to www.va.gov and enter Family Caregiver Bill in the search bar. To learn more about enrolling in VA Healthcare, and even begin your enrollment over the phone, call a VHA Phone Rep at 877-222-8387.
To make changes or updates to your existing VHA profile, go online to see and print form 10-10 EZR: bit.ly/vaform10ezr.
Complete it, sign it, and then fax it, along with copies of the required documents, to 404-828-5060. Attention: Health Eligibility Center. Watch for emails or phone messages from them within 4-7 days and respond as soon as you can. You’ve earned the care.
