Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB71

Introduced
1/3/25  
Refer
1/3/25  

Caption

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will fundamentally alter the existing healthcare delivery framework for veterans. It directs the Secretary to remove certain restrictions that currently limit the provision of hospital care and medical services, allowing eligible veterans to receive care at both Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and non-Veteran facilities without the cumbersome eligibility requirements that may have previously hindered their access. This flexibility is intended to improve the responsiveness of the healthcare system to the specific needs of veterans.

Summary

House Bill 71, known as the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, is designed to enhance veterans' access to healthcare services by establishing a pilot program that allows them to choose their healthcare providers. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs implement this program across various geographic areas, ensuring coverage in both rural and urban settings. By giving veterans the ability to select their own healthcare professionals, the legislation aims to improve coordination and overall quality of care for veterans using Veteran Affairs facilities and community providers.

Contention

While the bill is generally met with support due to its promise of empowering veterans, some contention arises around how this shift may affect local healthcare systems and the existing capabilities of Veterans Affairs' facilities. Critics voice concerns that increased reliance on non-Veteran providers might dilute the resources and attention available to Veterans Affairs facilities, potentially leading to an imbalance in resource allocation. Additionally, the long-term impact on inter-provider coordination remains a critical area of discussion as this model is implemented.

Congress_id

119-HR-71

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB394

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB10038

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program on the provision of naloxone to veterans and their caregivers, and for other purposes.

US HB214

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

US HB2526

S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act Support Our Services to Veterans Caregivers Act

US HB41

VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.

US HB3176

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

US SB1545

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

US HB492

Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis Act or the BRAVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a patient outreach system under which it must ensure that veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event may elect to receive information and resources relating to mental health and available mental health care services. The VA must coordinate the system with the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.

US HB105

TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

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