(a) Extension of period of medical care coverage for caregivers designated as primary providers of personal care services for veterans
Section 1781(a)(4) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the comma at the end the following: , including during the 180-day period following discharge from the program under section 1720G(a) of this title unless the designation of the individual was revoked due to fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct .
(b) Employment and other benefits for caregivers designated as primary providers of personal care services for veterans
(1) Employment assistance
Section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e) Employment assistance
The Secretary shall, subject to paragraph (2), provide to an individual designated as a primary provider of personal care services under subsection (a)(7)(A) employment assistance as follows:
Reimbursement of fees associated with certifications or relicensure necessary for such employment.
For purposes of gaining credit for continuing professional education requirements, access to training modules of the Department at no cost.
In consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, access to existing employment assistance resources and programs as considered appropriate.
An individual described in paragraph (1) shall have access to assistance described in such paragraph—
while participating in the program established under subsection (a)(1); and
during the 180-day period following the date on which the individual is no longer participating in such program unless the designation of such individual under subsection (a)(7)(A) was revoked for fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct.
The maximum lifetime amount that may be reimbursed for an individual under paragraph (1)(A) is $1,000.
(2) Expansion of available services
Subsection (a)(3)(A)(ii) of such section is amended—
in subclause (V), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in subclause (VI)—
in the matter preceding item (aa), by inserting or agreements after contracts ;
in item (aa), by inserting , including retirement planning services, after services ; and
in item (bb), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and
by adding at the end the following new subclause:
(3) Assistance returning to workforce
Subclause (VI) of such subsection is further amended—
in item (aa), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following new item:
assistance returning to the workforce upon discharge or dismissal from the program required by paragraph (1) unless such designation was revoked for fraud, abuse, mistreatment, or other misconduct; and
(4) Bereavement counseling and support
Subsection (a)(3)(A)(i)(III) of such section is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: , including bereavement counseling and support following the death of the eligible veteran .
(5) Study on provision of returnship program
(A) In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Secretary of Labor, shall complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of conducting a returnship program to assist individuals who are designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code, or who were discharged from such program, in returning to the workforce.
(B) Report
Not later than 180 days after completion of the study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study.
(6) Study on incorporating former caregivers into workforce of Department of Veterans Affairs
(A) In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete a study on barriers and incentives to hiring individuals who were designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code, at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address staffing needs.
(B) Report
Not later than 180 days after completion of the study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study, which shall include—
a plan for increasing employment opportunities at facilities of the Department for individuals who were designated as a primary provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code; and
such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Comptroller General report on efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs in supporting family caregivers transitioning away from caregiving
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report assessing the efforts of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to support individuals serving as family caregivers under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code, in transitioning away from caregiving, either by assisting those individuals with retirement planning or returning to work.
(d) Report on feasibility and advisability of establishing a retirement plan or retirement savings for family caregivers of certain veterans
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the heads of such other relevant entities as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines necessary, shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of, for individuals serving as family caregivers under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code—
establishing an individual retirement plan (as defined in section 7701(a)(37) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(37) )) or similar retirement plan; or
permitting such individuals to join an already established pathway to retirement savings.