Bill > HR961

This bill establishes a five-year pilot program that allows eligible veterans enrolled in the VA patient system to receive primary care through non-VA health care providers using a new "veteran health savings account" (VHSA). Under this program, veterans can use their VHSA to purchase primary care services, including periodic physician fees, medical screenings, wellness services, and prescription medications from direct primary care providers. An important restriction is that veterans participating in this pilot program cannot simultaneously receive similar medical care from the VA during their participation. The VA Secretary will determine the annual amount deposited into each veteran's account through actuarial calculations, and will be responsible for preventing fraudulent use of these accounts. The Secretary must submit quarterly implementation reports and annual reports about the program's results to Congressional Veterans' Affairs Committees. Funds for the pilot program will come from existing Veterans Health Administration appropriations, and the program's authority will terminate five years after its enactment. The pilot program will be conducted under the VA's Center for Innovation for Care and Payment, with the goal of providing veterans more flexibility in accessing primary healthcare services.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/961/all-info