U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) on Tuesday sponsored legislation that would allow United States military veterans and their families to focus on their health and recovery after receiving emergency treatment, rather than worrying about how to navigate red tape in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“All too often, the bureaucracy of the VA stands in the way of the VA’s mission: to provide the best possible care for those who have served our nation,” Rep. Mast said. “Our bill is a simple fix that will help veterans receive the care they earned and deserve.”
The Emergency Community Care Notification Time Adjustment Act of 2024, H.R. 8481, would shift the requirement to notify the VA of emergency treatment provided by a community care partner or healthcare facility outside of the VA from 72 hours after admittance to 72 hours after discharge, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Mast’s staff.
“When you or your loved one is facing a health emergency, the last thing on your mind is filling out a form for the VA,” said Rep. Mast, “but under the status quo, that’s an oversight that could cost you thousands of dollars in surprise medical bills.”
Under current law, the VA must be notified that a veteran received — or is receiving — emergency care within 72 hours of when that care starts. If they fail to do so, the veteran is responsible for the entirety of their hospital bill.
If enacted, H.R. 8481 would provide families more time to notify the VA by giving them up to 72 hours after being discharged rather than up to 72 hours after being admitted, the summary says.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.