Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
Plain Language Summary
# Veterans Health Care Freedom Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would create a three-year pilot program allowing veterans enrolled in VA health care to choose their health care providers more freely. Currently, veterans may face restrictions based on where they live or other requirements. Under this bill, eligible veterans could receive care at VA medical facilities, private providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program, or other approved providers—giving them greater flexibility in selecting where to get treatment. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects veterans currently enrolled in the VA health care system. A major provision removes certain location-based and other restrictions that currently limit where veterans can receive care.
After the three-year pilot period ends, the bill would permanently eliminate these access requirements. The program would be overseen by the VA's Center for Innovation for Care and Payment. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 71) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona. It is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.