Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014

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General caregivers for both pre- and post-9/11 veterans may be eligible to
receive training in how to provide caregiver services, counseling and other
services, and information about supportive services available from other
public, private and non-profit agencies in person and online;
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Family caregivers may be eligible for all general caregiver benefits and
for ongoing technical support, counseling, lodging, subsistence, and
travel benefits;
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Primary caregivers may be eligible to receive these same benefits, as well
as a stipend, mental health services, and access to healthcare coverage, if
they are not already entitled to care or services under a health plan contract,
including Medicare, Medicaid or worker’s compensation. Primary caregivers
must be a family member or a person who resides with the veteran;
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Respite services of not less than 30 days per year are made available to
primary and family caregivers while attending appointments or undergoing
caregiver training for post-9/11 veterans;
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All caregivers of both pre- and post-9/11 veterans are eligible to receive
respite care under the VA’s existing program, which provides up to 30 days
per year.
For more information on caregiver services, contact the Caregiver Support line
at (855) 260-3274 or visit www.caregiver.va.gov. For answers to questions on
caregiver eligibility or to apply for benefits, contact the VA Health Administration
Center at (877) 733-7927 or www.va.gov/hac or contact the County Veterans
Service Office (pg. 163).
DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS HEALTHCARE
HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
Under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs (CHAMPVA), certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement
for most medical expenses, including inpatient, outpatient, mental health,
prescription medication, skilled nursing care, and durable medical equipment.
To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE
(the medical program for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and must be one
of the following:
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The spouse or child of a veteran who the VA has rated permanently and
totally disabled due to a service-connected disability;
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