The bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay a veteran’s chosen cremation provider for direct cremation after the veteran’s death. The veteran must apply before death and choose direct cremation instead of certain existing burial benefits. Payment would be limited to the amount allowed under the applicable benefit. The bill defines direct cremation to include basic cremation, transportation, a basic container or chosen urn, delivery of the remains, and completion of a death certificate.
An eligible veteran could name a direct cremation provider in an application, with the process connected to the VA’s pre-need eligibility process when practicable. The bill applies to deaths occurring at least 180 days after enactment. The VA would have 120 days after enactment to issue regulations.
Payments would be capped by the amounts authorized under the applicable existing benefit and would replace, rather than add to, the specified benefit. The text provides no total cost estimate.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.