Hultgren bill seeks to protect veterans’ credit reports from VA medical payment delays

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) has reintroduced a bill that would protect veterans’ credit scores by creating a grace period to resolve medical billing issues at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that cause payment delays or errors.

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) was a lead cosponsor of the bipartisan bill, which has secured 20 cosponsors in total.

Delays in VA payments under Veterans Choice and other community care programs can lead to medical providers sending bills to debt collectors, which harms the credit ratings of veterans who have done nothing wrong. The listing of large or inaccurate medical debts on veterans’ credit reports could make it more difficult for them to buy a home or car, for example.

A call center set up by the VA to resolve these issues received thousands of calls within a few months.

“Enough veterans have faced collateral damage from delays at the VA — their credit score shouldn’t be another casualty of this bureaucracy,” Hultgren said. “Veterans and their families deserve accurate and timely billing and reimbursements from the VA. This legislation will ensure our veterans aren’t held responsible for bureaucratic ineptitude.”

The Protecting Veterans Credit Act would address the issue by establishing a one-year grace period for veterans to resolve medical billing disputes before they are sent to collection agencies. The measure would also create an easy mechanism for veterans to address billing disputes that have already affected them.

Walorski said, “Veterans shouldn’t have to worry about damage to their credit scores and financial futures due to errors and delays on the part of the VA.”

“I’ve heard from too many veterans who need help because the VA or a VA contractor hasn’t paid their medical bills for authorized non-VA care. This common sense bill will protect veterans while the VA, contractors, and providers work to resolve these billing issues,” she said.