A recent Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing highlighted growing interest in a MOAA-supported proposal designed to provide critical transitional support for military caregivers.

The committee reviewed and discussed the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement (3R) Act alongside other legislation in a May 21 meeting, which featured testimony from the VA and various veterans service organizations (VSOs), including MOAA.

[TAKE ACTION NOW: Urge Your Lawmakers to Pass the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act] 

“Despite their vital role, caregivers face significant financial, professional, and emotional burdens,” MOAA told the committee in written testimony. “Many forgo careers, retirement savings, and personal well-being to provide care.”

The 3R Act addresses key concerns raised by caregivers transitioning out of the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), including job reentry, retirement planning, health care access, and financial stability. These caregivers often sacrifice income, career advancement, and long-term financial security to care for their loved ones … and are met with significant gaps in support.

The bill proposes a comprehensive package of support tools, such as job training assistance, counseling, continued health care coverage, and help with professional relicensing costs, all aimed at easing the shift into post-caregiving life.

What’s Next

With congressional interest building, the 3R Act represents an opportunity to ensure caregivers are recognized and supported long after their caregiving duties conclude. As this legislation progresses, MOAA continues to work closely with lawmakers to ensure the bill’s provisions reflect the real needs of military families.

“By offering education, employment, and retirement opportunities, the act would empower caregivers to achieve financial security while potentially reducing the federal government’s long-term economic burden by decreasing their future reliance on government assistance programs,” MOAA told the committee in written testimony.  

[RELATED: MOAA Tracks Implementation of Key Veteran, Caregiver Benefit Reforms]

Visit MOAA’s Legislative Action Center to urge your lawmakers to support the 3R Act and ensure military caregivers receive the long-term resources and recognition they’ve earned.