H.R. 7199In committeeSecurity & foreign affairs
VA burial benefits would extend to home hospice veterans
Data as of July 11, 2026
Veterans who die at home during VA hospice care would still qualify for a VA burial allowance, same as those who die in a VA facility.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would extend the VA burial allowance to veterans who die at home while in VA hospice care, if they had previously been receiving care in a VA hospital or VA-connected nursing home. Right now, that allowance is only available when a veteran dies inside a VA facility. The bill would also apply retroactively, as if it had been part of a veterans' health care law passed in 2020.
Who does it affect?
Veterans who move from a VA hospital or VA-connected nursing home into at-home hospice care would be affected, along with their families who handle burial arrangements.
Why does it matter?
Under current rules, a veteran's family can lose access to burial assistance simply because the veteran chose to spend their final days at home rather than in a facility. This bill would remove that distinction.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Gerald’s Law Act
- Introduced:
- January 22, 2026
- Latest action:
- January 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.