Legislation Approved by Veterans’ Affairs Committee; Perriello Urges Passage at Press Conference with Wounded Warrior Project

Washington, DC—Congressman Tom Perriello’s Health Care for Family Caregivers Act of 2009 was included in legislation that passed the House Veterans Affairs Committee last week with bipartisan support and will now be considered by the entire U.S. House of Representatives. The bill extends medical care for family members who serve as caregivers to severely disabled veterans.

Today, Rep. Perriello joined Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and the Wounded Warrior Project in urging passage of the legislation to support veterans’ caregivers. Watch video of Rep. Perriello at the press conference here:“While family caregivers provide their care out of love, compassion, and devotion, it often shifts into a full-time commitment sometimes requiring the caregiver to leave their job, and thus, their health coverage,” said Perriello. “As a nation, we have an obligation to care for those who have stood in the defense of freedom. We also have an equal obligation to their families who fully share in this awesome sacrifice.”

Perriello’s legislation was included in H.R. 3155, the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act.  As a result of the bill, a family caregiver will not be subject to deductibles, premiums, copayments, cost-sharing, or other fees for their own personal medical care. It expands the definition of those eligible for benefits beyond spouses and children to include any nuclear, extended, or step-family members.

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