Senator Hassan Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Protect Veterans from Financial Scams

Statement

Ahead of Veterans Day, Senator Maggie Hassan cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans Care Financial Protection Act, introduced by Senators Warren (D-MA) and Rubio (R-FL), to help protect veterans who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assistance from financial scams.

"Our veterans sacrificed bravely in defense of our freedom and we must ensure that they have the support they need to thrive in civilian life. We must help protect veterans from financial scams, particularly scams targeting the programs veterans depend on for care," Senator Hassan said. "The bipartisan Veterans Care Financial Protection Act is an important step forward in those efforts, and I will continue working to ensure that our veterans in New Hampshire and across the United States receive the care and support they need and have earned."

The VA offers an Aid & Attendance benefit program (A&A) to help pay for assisted living or in-home personal care for veterans who qualify for a VA pension, and who require in-home supports. Scam artists have targeted veterans, charging them fees for obtaining the benefit even though the application process is free. Some scammers even take control of the veteran's assets and move them into an irrevocable trust or an annuity, which the elderly veteran often cannot access again for many years, and may disqualify the veteran from other assistance, like Medicaid.

The Veterans Care Financial Protection Act passed the House of Representatives by voice vote on Monday and has been endorsed by the following organizations: The American Legion, The Association of the U.S. Army, The Association of the U.S. Navy, The Fleet Reserve Association, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, The Military Officers Association of America, and The Retired Enlisted Association.

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