WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that he has reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits eligibility to terminally ill veterans who pass away at a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care. The legislation, called Gerald’s Law Act, was named after late Michigan veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliott of Kingsford who did not receive VA burial benefits since he passed away at home.

Under current law, the VA will cover nearly $900 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran is hospitalized at the VA at the time of death. This legislation would update the department’s policy and ensure that veterans aren’t penalized for spending their last days in the comfort of their homes or other settings. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, raised this issue with Senator Peters’ office and shared the Elliott family’s heartbreaking story – inspiring this legislation.

“Veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country shouldn’t be denied benefits if they choose to receive hospice care outside of a VA facility,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “But that’s what happened to the late Michigan veteran Gerald Elliott. This bipartisan bill would take important steps to update the VA’s burial benefit system, because we owe it to veterans and their families to ensure they can be laid to rest with dignity and respect.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Veteran Service Organizations, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), With Honor, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Gold Star Wives and The Independence Fund support Gerald’s Law Act.