Mast-sponsored bill gives veterans extra time to request VA pay for emergency services

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) recently introduced legislation that addresses complaints from United States military veterans and their family members, who received unexpected medical bills totaling thousands of dollars from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

The veterans and their families had been informed that the VA would not cover the costs because they failed to notify the department within 72 hours of being admitted during a health emergency. 

“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, but under the status quo, that’s an oversight that could cost you thousands of dollars in surprise medical bills,” Rep. Mast said. 

The congressman on March 21 sponsored the Emergency Community Care Notification Time Adjustment Act of 2022, H.R. 7186, to establish an extended deadline for submitting applications for emergency treatment furnished in non-VA medical facilities, according to the text of the bill.

The bill 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.

“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,” said Rep. Mast. “This is a simple fix that can help veterans receive the care they are promised.”

H.R. 7186 has been referred to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.