Us Congress House Bill HB748

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25

Caption

Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the RELIEVE Act This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

Impact

The RELIEVE Act intends to facilitate and streamline access to necessary emergency medical treatment for veterans, thereby removing potential bureaucratic barriers that could hinder their access to care. By amending the eligibility for reimbursement, the bill supports veterans who may face urgent health needs soon after they enroll in health services. This improvement reflects an underlying commitment to ensuring that veterans receive timely and adequate care, which is especially critical in emergency situations.

Summary

House Bill 748, also known as the RELIEVE Act (Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act), aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to enhance the eligibility requirements for veterans seeking reimbursement for emergency medical treatment. It specifically addresses cases where veterans encounter medical emergencies shortly after enrollment in the Veterans Health Care System. The bill proposes to eliminate the existing stipulation that mandates prior receipt of care, thus allowing veterans to receive emergency treatment irrespective of this requirement if the treatment occurs within 60 days of their enrollment.

Contention

Though the bill addresses a significant gap in veterans' health care access, discussions around its implementation may touch on concerns regarding funding and resource allocation within the Veterans Affairs system. Advocates for the bill argue that protecting veterans' health must take precedence over procedural limitations that have historically complicated their ability to access emergency care. However, critics might raise questions about the fiscal implications, ensuring that adequate resources are still available to sustain the expanded access outlined in the bill.

Congress_id

119-HR-748

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-28