H.R. 109 — TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act

This section establishes the short title of the Act as the “Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act” or the “TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act.”

This section revises administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ caregiver programs under 38 U.S.C. § 1720G by (1) requiring the Secretary to formally recognize all caregivers of veterans by identifying them in the veteran’s health record, including family caregivers in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers under subsection (a) and caregivers in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services under subsection (b); (2) requiring the Secretary to notify veterans and caregivers, using a standardized letter, of clinical determinations related to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance or eligibility under either caregiver program, and to include the notice elements required under 38 U.S.C. § 5104(b) to the extent applicable; and (3) requiring the Secretary to extend benefits for at least 90 days after notice when a veteran receiving assistance under subsection (a) is found no longer clinically eligible, including continuation of stipends under 38 U.S.C. § 1720G(a)(3)(A)(ii)(V). This section excludes the 90-day extension in cases involving fraud, abuse, or neglect; replacement of a primary provider within 90 days; replacement of a family caregiver within 90 days that results in three assigned caregivers; a caregiver moving out or ending the relationship with the veteran; or a request by the veteran or caregiver.