This bill would change section 1724 of Title 38. It removes the requirement that a veteran have a service-connected disability to receive VA-paid hospital care or medical services outside a State. It also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update its payment system so reimbursements under that section can be made by electronic fund transfer. Finally, the VA must assess the feasibility and effects of contracting with non-VA entities to build a network of providers to give care under section 1724.
If you are a veteran living or traveling outside a State, this bill would allow more veterans to be eligible for care paid under section 1724 by removing the service-connected disability requirement. The bill directs the VA to modernize payment methods (electronic fund transfer) and to study whether to contract for a provider network. It does not itself create new benefit amounts or guarantee a provider network; changes would depend on how the VA implements the law.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or budget effects is included in the bill text or metadata provided.
No publicly available information in the provided materials explains supporters' arguments or stated benefits.
No publicly available information in the provided materials explains opponents' arguments or stated concerns.