We have received text from H.R. 71: Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. This bill was received on 2025-01-03, and currently has 10 cosponsors.
Here is a short summary of the bill:
This bill, known as the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, proposes to establish a pilot program aimed at improving access to medical care for eligible veterans by allowing them to choose their healthcare providers. The key components of the bill are outlined below:
Pilot Program Implementation
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement a pilot program in at least four Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) located in diverse areas, including both urban and rural settings. The goal of the pilot program is to enhance veterans' access to hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through a system that allows them to choose their healthcare providers.
Access to Care
- Medical Facilities: Eligible veterans can receive care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, regardless of the veteran's location or the VISN they belong to.
- Non-Department Facilities: Veterans may access services at non-VA facilities under specific provisions without certain restrictions that typically apply.
Choice of Providers
Veterans participating in the pilot program are given the option to elect their hospital care, medical services, and extended care services from any provider within the covered care system.
Coordination of Care
Each participating veteran must choose a primary care provider who will coordinate their healthcare. This provider will be responsible for referring the veteran to specialists as needed and ensuring efficient management of the veteran's overall care.
Specialty and Mental Health Care
- Eligible veterans can select specialty care providers from the covered care system for their specific medical needs.
- Veterans are also entitled to choose their mental health care providers.
Information and Education
The Department of Veterans Affairs is tasked with providing veterans with information regarding their eligibility, cost-sharing, available treatments, and providers to help them make informed decisions about their care.
Duration and Reporting
- The pilot program is set to operate over a three-year period, beginning one year after the enactment of the bill.
- The Secretary must report quarterly for the first two years on the program's implementation and submit annual reports on its results thereafter.
Legislative Changes
The bill mandates amendments to existing laws to facilitate veterans' access to healthcare, reinforcing the principles tested in the pilot program within four years post-enactment.
Funding
No additional funds are authorized for the execution of this program; it will utilize already allocated resources for the Veterans Health Administration.
Definitions
- Covered Care System: This includes VA facilities, certain qualified non-VA healthcare providers, and entities with Veterans Care Agreements.
- Eligible Veteran: A veteran enrolled in the VA patient enrollment system.
Relevant Companies
- UNH - UnitedHealth Group may experience increased demand for services if more veterans seek care through community providers.
- CNC - Centene Corporation could be impacted as they provide various healthcare services that may be utilized by veterans under the new care system.
- HUM - Humana might see changes in enrollment or coverage plans tailored for veterans in response to the broadened access options.
This article is not financial advice. See Quiver Quantitative's disclaimers for more information.
