Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB873

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

To amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the TRICARE program based on the location at which such care or services were provided.

Impact

If enacted, HB873 will require the Secretary of Defense to establish specific reimbursement rates for various locations such as inpatient hospitals, outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgical centers. The Secretary is mandated to ensure that a claim for reimbursement contains a unique identifier to specify the location of healthcare service providers. This approach is anticipated to create a more equitable reimbursement system that reflects the operational costs associated with different healthcare environments across the country.

Summary

House Bill 873 seeks to amend Title 10 of the United States Code, specifically regarding the reimbursement rates for care or services provided under the TRICARE program. This legislation proposes that the rate of pay for healthcare services should vary based on the specific location where the services were rendered. By introducing this locality-based pricing model, the bill aims to ensure that reimbursements are aligned with the costs associated with providing healthcare in different geographical areas.

Contention

While the bill is set to provide location-specific reimbursement rates, it may also generate discussions regarding the potential inequities this system could introduce. Stakeholders may raise concerns about how varying rates could affect healthcare access and the financial stability of providers in lower-cost areas compared to those in higher-cost metropolitan regions. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about the administrative burdens that could result from differentiating reimbursement based on geographical data and the readiness of the TRICARE system to implement such changes by the effective date of January 1, 2026.

Congress_id

119-HR-873

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10137

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide health care for family members and other individuals who resided at or worked at locations where there is a presumption of service-connection for certain illnesses and conditions, and for other purposes.

US HB3617

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authority to provide a wig and treat traction alopecia under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.

US HB10381

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize a joint scholarship program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for medical education of an officer of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service at the Uniformed Services University in return for a period of obligated service by such officer at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB10409

To address the high costs of health care services, prescription drugs, and health insurance coverage in the United States, and for other purposes.

US HB10307

TOTAL Care Act TRICARE OBGYN Treatment and Access without Lags in Care Act

US SB5492

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for payment for services of radiologist assistants under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

US HB10430

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services outside a State to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as permanent and total, and for other purposes.

US HB10526

To amend the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare for America health program to provide for comprehensive health coverage for all Americans.

US SB5627

A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to provide that the United States Postal Service may provide certain basic financial services, and for other purposes.

US HB10397

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an alternative removal for performance or misconduct for Federal employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.