Us Congress House Bill HB874

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25
• Refer: 3/4/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 874 would impact the way payment rates are determined and disbursed to healthcare providers serving veterans. The amendment intends to ensure that the payment system accounts for variations in care costs in different settings, such as inpatient hospitals, outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and physician offices. This change could lead to more equitable compensation structures that align better with real-world service provision costs, thereby potentially improving access to care for veterans across various locations.

Summary

House Bill 874 aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code concerning the payment rates for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill proposes to modify the existing structure by establishing specific payment rates based on the location where services are rendered. This change signifies a shift towards a more location-sensitive approach to compensating providers, recognizing that costs may vary significantly depending on geographic factors and types of healthcare facilities involved.

Contention

While the bill presents a framework aiming to enhance the compensation framework for veteran healthcare services, discussions may arise regarding the implementation and efficacy of the location-based payment model. Stakeholders might debate whether the modifications sufficiently address existing disparities in care access and quality among veterans, particularly in rural versus urban settings. Additionally, there could be concerns over how the changes will align with current budgetary constraints within the VA, which might influence the availability and quality of care offered to veterans.

Congress_id

119-HR-874

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-31