Bill > HR3027

This bill establishes a new counseling program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide free mental health support to specific family members and caregivers of veterans who die by suicide. The counseling services will be available to the "next of kin" (prioritized as spouse, child, parent, sibling, or another individual determined by the VA) and former volunteer caregivers who assisted a veteran for at least three months through a veterans service organization without compensation. The VA must ensure these counseling services are reasonably accessible and comparable to existing services, and may partner with federal, state, or private entities to provide the counseling. The VA is also required to publish information about the program on its website and proactively provide program details to eligible individuals. The bill defines key terms such as "covered veterans service organization" and establishes that the program must be implemented within 90 days of the act's enactment. The goal is to support those left behind after a veteran's suicide by providing free mental health resources to help them cope with their loss.