BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �






                      SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
                              LOU CORREA, CHAIRMAN
                                             


          Bill No:        AB 1823
          Author:         Yamada
          Version:        As Proposed
          Hearing Date:   June 12, 2012
          Fiscal:         Yes
          Consultant:     Donald E. Wilson




                                 SUBJECT OF BILL  
          
          Veterans' Homes: accounting for charges  
           
                                   PROPOSED LAW  
           
           Include in quarterly accounting statements for veterans 
          home occupants
          1.  That the statement is for informational purposes only
          2.  That if the veteran is a resident of the home at the 
          time of death the home may keep his or her possessions for 
          payment of unreimbursed cost of care.
          3.  An advisement that the members seek legal expertise 
          regarding assets.
          4.  An explanation of the terms and conditions upon which 
          fees and costs can be changed.
                                         
                          EXISTING LAW AND BACKGROUND  
          
          1.  California runs a veterans home system which just 
          completed construction of its eighth home.

          2.  Although financial means is a consideration for 
          admission to the veterans homes, there is no absolute means 
          test for admission.

          3.  The cost of care for veterans often exceeds what they 
          pay into the system.

          4.  For those veterans who continue to make an income or 
          accumulate assets above and beyond what is paid into the 









          system, part of the agreement with the state is that when a 
          veteran passes his or her estate may have to help make up 
          the difference for what the state paid.
                                         
                                    COMMENT  
          
          1.  This bill seeks to make sure that terms of repayment 
          from a veteran's estate are made clear to the veteran and 
          the family before death.

          2.  Proposed amendments are technical and do not change the 
          intent of the bill.
               a)  The statement must be "in plain, straightforward 
          language, avoiding technical terms as much as possible and 
          using a coherent and easily readable style."
               b)  Removes the requirement to print the terms and 
          conditions of fee changes.

                                     SUPPORT  
          
          American Legion, Department of California
          AMVETS, Department of California
          California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform
          California Sate Commanders Veterans Council
          Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
          Yountville Veterans Home Allied Council

                                      OPPOSE  
          
          None received














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