Bill · H.R. 874· House(119-HR-874)
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.
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 3/4/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Richard McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to title 38 of the United States Code regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Program. It seeks to modify how pay rates are determined for care or services provided to veterans. Specifically, the Secretary would be required to establish payment rates based on the specific location where care is provided, such as an inpatient hospital or a physician's office. The bill also mandates the use of a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code for claims. Additionally, if multiple rates are applicable, the Secretary must pay the lowest rate. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+4
The bill reduces federal spending by mandating that the Secretary pay the lowest applicable rate when multiple rates are available.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?-3
The provision requiring the Secretary to pay the lowest applicable rate could reduce the financial resources available for veteran healthcare services.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-3
The requirement to pay the lowest of multiple possible rates may negatively impact the financial support structure for veteran care.
Does this help veterans get medical care?-2
The mandate to pay the lowest applicable rate for care may reduce the incentive for providers to participate in the Community Care Program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Location-Based Precision: The Secretary shall establish rates specific to locations like inpatient hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, or a physician's office, which may provide more specific pay structures based on where care occurs (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(B)).
-
Improved Tracking and Identification: The requirement for a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code ensures that claims include specific information about the exact location where the care was provided (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lower Payment Rates: If the Secretary is able to pay more than one rate for the care or services provided, the bill mandates that the Secretary must pay the lowest such rate (Section 1(a)(1)(7)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans-3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-3
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security-1
- 3/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona