Somerset Times

(September 3, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has introduced the Home Health Aides for Veterans’ Spouses Act, a bill that would allow veterans over the age of 75 to defer their home health aide benefits to their spouses in extenuating circumstances.

This legislation was inspired by a 92-year-old Berkeley Heights veteran, Mr. John O’Connor, who requested that a VA home health aide assist his wife. The VA did not permit this and rejected the veteran’s appeal multiple times despite his pleas. Currently, spouses of veterans can only obtain VA home health aide benefits upon the passing of their veteran spouse, leaving some with limited or no access to such services.

“Just as veterans have given so much in service to our country, their spouses have given just as much in support and sacrifice,” said Congressman Kean. “This commonsense legislation was a direct response to Mr. O’Connor’s concern. He was informed by the VA that the only way he would be able to pass these benefits on to his wife was to pass away himself. The VA should have the leeway to share these benefits with veterans’ spouses if the need arises. I appreciate Mr. O’Connor reaching out to my office and sharing his story.”

“I am interested in other veterans who are faced with the same issues I have and are really in difficult situations,” said Mr. John O’Connor. “They are unable to adequately take care of their spouse, either financially or socially. No one at the VA was going to fight for us. Only Congressman Kean made that effort. We both appreciate it.”

Other key efforts Congressman Kean has taken to support veterans include:

- Sponsored H.R.4171 - Driving Veterans Success Act, which requires that at least 10% of funds under specified infrastructure programs be expended through Veteran-owned small businesses.

- Sponsored H.R.7613 - Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2024 to limit entitlement amounts for flight training under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.

- Co-Sponsored Rep. Levin's H.R.984 - Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, authorizing grants for state programs improving outreach and assistance focusing on areas with high suicide rates among veterans.

- Co-Sponsored Rep. Mast's H.R.562 - Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023, creating new ways for veterans to access congressional representatives effectively.

- Co-Sponsored Rep Sherrill's H.R733 - Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2023 setting minimum numbers of Vet Centers per state ensuring access for social or psychological services.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

###