US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB274

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025This bill modifies the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a Department of Veterans Affairs pension under an existing rating or decision in cases where the payee has died. Specifically, the bill provides that the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a pension that is under an existing rating or decision must be the last day of the month in which the death of the payee occurs.

Impact

The legislation amends existing legal frameworks to ensure that compensations, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pensions continue until the end of the month in which the payee dies. This adjustment is intended to mitigate the financial hardship for surviving family members, allowing them to receive payments that might otherwise be discontinued immediately upon the payee’s death. Such a change reflects an effort to provide a more considerate approach to the benefits system for veterans and their families, recognizing the emotional and financial challenges they face during such difficult times.

Summary

SB274, known as the 'Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025', proposes amendments to Title 38 of the United States Code. The primary objective of the bill is to improve the administration of certain benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, particularly focusing on the impact of a payee's death on the payment of compensation and pensions. By clarifying provisions regarding the effective date of reductions and discontinuances of benefits, the bill aims to protect the financial interests of the next of kin of deceased veterans.

Contention

Although the bill appears to have a humanizing intent, it may encounter opposition on technical grounds related to the cost implications of extending benefit payments posthumously. Fiscal conservatives might argue that any expansions in benefit payment duration could lead to increased government expenditures. Further discussions may arise around the effectiveness and efficiencies of the Veterans Affairs administration itself in managing these changes, particularly in ensuring that the modifications are implemented without bureaucratic delays.

Congress_id

119-S-274

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB874

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

US HR376

Urging the President and Congress of the United States to address the critical issue of veteran suicides by ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive and accurate data to inform effective prevention strategies, thereby honoring the sacrifices of all who have served.

US HB1290

Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program under which Vet Centers and VA medical facilities provide veterans who are experiencing mental health crises with referrals to approved non-VA mental health care providers.The VA must report on the implementation, outcomes, and effectiveness of the pilot program.

US SB247

Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish specific billing codes under Medicare for certain materials used in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs.Specifically, the CMS must establish at least two billing codes for the base of the wheelchair, with at least one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber construction material and at least one code for a base without these materials. Suppliers receive the same payment under Medicare for these wheelchairs as would otherwise apply, but may bill beneficiaries for any difference between the payment and the actual charge for the wheelchair. The CMS may require suppliers to inform beneficiaries of their potential financial liability in these cases.

US SB937

Health care; creating the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act of 2025. Effective date.

US SB937

Health care; creating the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act of 2025. Effective date.

US SB760

Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2025This bill modifies payments for Medicaid primary care services. Specifically, the bill applies a Medicare payment rate floor to Medicaid primary care services that are provided after the date of enactment of the bill and extends the payment rate to additional types of practitioners (e.g., obstetricians).The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must conduct a study on the number of children enrolled in Medicaid, the number of providers receiving payment for primary care services, and associated payment rates before and after the bill's implementation.

US SB116

This bill designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas, Texas, as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center.

US HB6585

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to temporarily extend the period during which certain individuals may file claims for medical care under the CHAMPVA program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB370

Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from providing funding for public schools that restrict voluntary school prayer.Specifically, the bill prohibits ED from providing funds to state or local educational agencies with policies that deny, or effectively prevent, individuals from voluntarily participating in public school prayer that is constitutionally protected.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.