Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act In Action

President Obama cited his commitment and dedication to those veterans who have given their unwavering service to their country, by signing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services 2010 Act.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services supports the recovery of severely wounded troops by providing financial assistance for the long term care needed to keep veterans living at home, and also offering aid to family caregivers.

New benefits cover caregivers of specialized services; health insurance for veterans who lack health insurance; counseling; and other support services designed to fulfill veterans' health needs towards recovery.

INCREASED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SOLDIERS' CAREGIVERS

Established by the Veterans Affairs (VA), the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services program provides assistance for family caregivers of veterans who are undergoing a medical discharge from the U.S. military; veterans injured while serving on active duty on or after September 11th 2001; or veterans who need the services of personal care.

ADDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR NEEDED PERSONAL CARE

Personal care for veterans includes assistance, instruction, training, ongoing technical support, counseling, and living expenses while under VA medical care.

The Omnibus Health Services act also provides assistance for the primary personal care provider of the injured veteran. Assistance includes mental health services, respite care, and a monthly stipend at the market rate for commercial caregivers in the region.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act program requires that the VA designates one family member as the primary personal care provider, with approval from the injured veteran. The VA will monitor the mental and physical health of the receiver of personal care, to assure that adequate personal care is being received by the veteran.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act provides increased healthcare benefits for veterans, and increased financial assistance to family members caring for wounded soldiers. The first groups of soldiers helped by the 2010 Act were those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the support network created by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act is designed to follow you throughout your life, offering support, health assistance and personal care for the recovery of all wounded warriors.