Bill > S2145

This bill aims to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ability to recover medical costs and strengthen its reimbursement processes. Specifically, the bill allows the VA to recover costs from Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans for healthcare services provided to veterans, starting in 2026. The bill modifies existing laws to expand the VA's rights to collect reimbursements for non-service-connected disability care, including creating new provisions that require third-party payers to respond to claims within 45 days and impose penalties for non-compliance. The legislation introduces stricter requirements for third-party insurers, such as mandatory reporting of veteran beneficiary information, prohibitions on distributing settlement proceeds without satisfying VA claims, and potential civil penalties for failing to pay clean claims. These changes are designed to ensure that the VA can more effectively recover the costs of healthcare services provided to veterans, potentially improving the financial sustainability of veterans' healthcare programs. The bill also clarifies and broadens the definition of recoverable claims, including situations involving tort liability, medical expenses, and various types of insurance coverage.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2145/all-info