Last night the Senate passed the Veterans and Caregiver Support Bill. The House of Representatives will vote on the bill next year, after the holiday break.  The bill passed the Senate with a voice vote of 98-0, so it looks like this bill will sail through the House with an affirmative vote.

What is it?

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 contains provisions to provide:

• Caregiver Assistance to Wounded Veterans
• Telecommunications with VA Doctors and Specialists for Wounded Veterans in Rural Areas
• Travel Benefits for Caregivers to Travel with the Veteran for Hospital and Rehab Care
• Caregiver Education, Training and Counseling
• Oversite of Caregivers via Home Visits
• Respite Caregiving Services
• National Survey of Family Caregivers

The main focus of the bill is to provide better care for both the veterans who have been wounded while serving since September 11, 2001, and their caregivers.  As medical technology in combat has advanced, more soldiers are surviving after losing limbs or having serious head injuries, but they must have ongoing care for the rest of their life.