VA Billing Accountability Act

Waivers for Billing Errors: Veterans may have their copayments for hospital care, nursing home care, medical services, and medications waived if a Department error caused the notification to be delayed by more than 180 days. (Section 2(a) and 2(b))

Payment Protections: If the VA misses the notification deadlines for care at Department or non-Department facilities, they cannot collect payment unless they first offer the veteran a way to apply for a waiver or set up a payment plan. (Section 2(c)(a)(2) and 2(c)(b)(2))

Non-Department Facility Flexibility: The Secretary can waive payments for care at non-Department facilities if an error by the Department, an employee, or the facility caused the notification to be sent after 18 months. (Section 2(c)(b)(3))

System Improvements: The Secretary is required to review and improve internal billing controls and notification procedures within 180 days of the Act's enactment. (Section 2(d))

Limited Timeframe: The authority for the Secretary to waive copayments for hospital care, nursing home care, medical services, and medications is only available for a two-year period following the enactment of the Act. (Section 2(a) and 2(b))

Temporary Procedures: The new billing procedures, including the notification deadlines and waiver requirements, will stop being effective two years after the Act is enacted. (Section 2(c)(1)(d))