Bills · HR 874
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 874Veterans' medical careHealth care costs and insurance
To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could significantly change the financial landscape for veterans' healthcare received outside of VA facilities. By requiring the VA to pay the lowest available rate for care based on the specific location where it's provided, the bill aims to control costs within the VA Community Care Program. For taxpayers, this could mean a reduction in overall spending on veterans' healthcare.
For veterans, the impact could be mixed. While it might lead to more predictable payment structures, some private providers might decide not to participate in the VA Community Care Program if the new reimbursement rates are too low, potentially limiting veterans' access to certain doctors or facilities. If this bill doesn't become law, the VA would continue its current payment practices, which may not always differentiate rates based on the specific setting of care or always opt for the lowest available rate.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the VA to establish specific payment rates for community care based on the actual location where the medical services are provided, such as an inpatient hospital or a doctor's office.
This ensures that payments more accurately reflect the cost structure of different care settings, potentially preventing overpayment for services in less expensive environments.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that if more than one payment rate applies to a specific care or service, the VA must pay the lowest possible rate.
This provision is designed to reduce overall costs for the VA's Community Care Program by prioritizing cost-efficient options.
PROVISION 03
Requires all claims for payment to include a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code that pinpoints the exact location where the care was furnished.
This improves transparency and accuracy in billing, allowing the VA to effectively enforce the new location-based payment system.
PROVISION 04
Sets an effective date for these changes as January 1, 2026.
This provides a clear timeline for the VA and healthcare providers to prepare for and implement the new payment and billing requirements.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Georgia
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
22
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSMAR 4
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
JAN 31
Introduced in House
JAN 31
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 874
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 31, 2025
Last actionMar 4, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025
House BillHR 874Veterans' medical careHealth care costs and insurance
To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
