Bills · S 2145
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2145MedicareCivil actions and liability
GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act
INTRO JUN 23· LAST ACTION JUN 23
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to make sure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fully compensated for the healthcare services it provides to veterans, especially when those services are also covered by private insurance or another responsible party. By requiring private Medicare plans to reimburse the VA and by strengthening the VA's ability to recover costs from other sources, the bill could increase the money available in the VA's Medical Care Collections Fund. This fund is crucial for supporting and enhancing healthcare services for all veterans.
If this bill becomes law, the VA could have more financial resources to deliver care, potentially reducing the burden on taxpayers for services that are already covered by other insurance. This could lead to a more sustainable funding model for veterans' healthcare. If it doesn't pass, the VA might continue to absorb costs for services that could otherwise be reimbursed, potentially limiting funds available for other critical veteran healthcare needs and continuing a less efficient system of cost recovery.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans to reimburse the VA for health care services and items (including prescription drugs) provided to their enrollees, if those services are covered by the private Medicare plan.
This ensures the VA receives payment for services that private Medicare plans would otherwise cover, contributing to VA funding.
PROVISION 02
Clarifies and strengthens the VA's right to recover costs from any third party (e.g., another insurer, at-fault party in an accident) for care provided to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities.
This expands and streamlines the VA's ability to recoup expenses, potentially increasing funds for veterans' healthcare and shifting costs to responsible parties.
PROVISION 03
Stipulates that all recovered funds are to be deposited into the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund.
This ensures that the money collected is directly allocated to support and improve VA healthcare services for veterans.
PROVISION 04
Sets a specific start date of January 1, 2026, for the new cost-recovery rules involving Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
This provides a clear timeline for the implementation of the new reimbursement processes, allowing plans and the VA to prepare.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a six-year statute of limitations for the VA to recover costs for services provided, with a three-year limit for tort-based actions.
This provides clear legal boundaries for the timeframe in which the VA can pursue reimbursement from third parties.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· Massachusetts
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
85
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 23
Introduced in Senate
JUN 23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2145
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 23, 2025
Last actionJun 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 23, 2025
Senate BillS 2145MedicareCivil actions and liability
GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act
INTRODUCED JUN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
