Bill · H.R. 873· House(119-HR-873)
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.
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 1/31/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Richard McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend title 10 of the United States Code regarding the TRICARE program. It focuses on modifying how the rate of pay is determined for health care services. The changes would require reimbursement rates to be based on the specific location where care or services are provided. This includes distinctions between inpatient hospitals, outpatient departments, and physician offices. These amendments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+5
The bill mandates that the Secretary pay the lowest authorized reimbursement rate when multiple rates are available.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Health care providers and business owners will face the mandate to accept the lowest authorized reimbursement rates.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?-3
The mandate to pay the lowest available reimbursement rate could negatively impact the scope of care available to veterans.
Does this help veterans get medical care?-3
The requirement to pay the lowest authorized rate may reduce the incentive or capacity for providers to serve the TRICARE population.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Location-Specific Reimbursement: The Secretary will establish specific rates based on where care is actually provided, such as an inpatient hospital or a physician's office (Section 1, paragraph (a)(1)(ii)). This ensures that the payment reflects the actual setting of the care.
-
Improved Tracking: The bill requires a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code for reimbursement claims (Section 1, paragraph (a)(1)(iii)). This provides a clear way to identify exactly where the care occurred.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lowest Rate Mandate: The bill states that if multiple reimbursement rates are available, the Secretary shall pay the lowest rate authorized for those services (Section 1, paragraph (a)(1)(A)(i)). This could result in lower payments to health care providers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4Good For Veterans-3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare-3Improves Healthcare Access-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-3
- 6/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona