Bill > S219

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to improve veterans' healthcare access by allowing them more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. The program will be implemented in at least four Veterans Integrated Service Networks and will enable eligible veterans (those enrolled in the VA patient enrollment system) to receive medical care at VA medical facilities, non-VA facilities, and through Veterans Care Agreements without strict geographical or availability restrictions. Veterans can choose their primary care provider, who will be responsible for coordinating their care and referring them to specialty providers as needed. The pilot program allows veterans to select specialty and mental health care providers within the "covered care system," which includes VA medical facilities, VA-approved healthcare providers, and entities with Veterans Care Agreements. After the pilot program, the changes will become permanent, effectively removing previous limitations on veterans' ability to choose healthcare providers. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be required to submit quarterly implementation reports and annual results reports to Congressional veterans' affairs committees. Importantly, the program will be implemented using existing VA funding, with no additional appropriations authorized. The ultimate goal is to provide veterans with more healthcare choices and improve their access to medical services.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/219/all-info