Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2649

Introduced
7/27/23  

Caption

Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act of 2023

Impact

In addition to scheduling improvements, the bill introduces modifications to access standards and establishes reporting requirements for non-VA health care referrals. Specifically, it aims to create a two-year pilot program to enhance the approval process for dental care treatment plans and establish national interoperability standards between the VA and community care providers. The legislation also supports a program allowing for self-referrals, thus empowering veterans to seek certain services independently. These measures are anticipated to bolster the healthcare network available to veterans, enabling improved care in a timely manner.

Summary

SB2649, titled the 'Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act of 2023,' seeks to improve community care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through various proposed changes. One of the primary objectives of the bill is to ensure that veterans have timely access to healthcare services, emphasizing the need for specific access standards. This includes scheduling appointments within established timeframes as well as considering telehealth services to facilitate timely appointments. The bill mandates that veterans receive healthcare services within a defined driving distance and timeframe from their homes, fundamentally ensuring that access to care aligns with their needs.

Contention

While SB2649 primarily aims to expand and enhance veterans' access to healthcare, it also raises questions regarding the management of community care and the implications for smaller healthcare providers. Critics may express concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing these reforms, specifically regarding the reliance on telehealth and the burden placed on providers to meet new requirements. Moreover, the establishment of national standards for interoperability poses challenges for integration, particularly for rural care providers lacking adequate technological resources. The balance between increasing access to care and ensuring quality service delivery presents ongoing debates within legislative discussions around the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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