Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2024-03-12T02:26:49Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 1315 Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/12/2024, 2:26 AM

Summary of Bill S 1315

The Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 1315, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve the healthcare services and support available to veterans.

One key aspect of the HEALTH Act is to empower veterans by giving them more control over their healthcare options. This includes expanding access to telehealth services, allowing veterans to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, the bill aims to increase transparency within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by requiring the agency to report on wait times for appointments and the quality of care provided to veterans.

Another important provision of the HEALTH Act is to enhance leadership within the VA. This includes establishing a Chief Veterans Experience Officer within the agency to focus on improving the overall experience of veterans receiving care. The bill also aims to increase accountability within the VA by requiring regular audits of the agency's operations and performance. Overall, the Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023 seeks to improve the healthcare services and support available to veterans by empowering them, increasing transparency, and enhancing leadership within the VA. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the care and support they deserve.

Congressional Summary of S 1315

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), including by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and implement plans to improve the administration of the VCCP.

Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the VCCP eligibility standards for when a veteran is eligible to elect to receive non-VA care through the VCCP. The VA must notify a covered veteran of eligibility for care or services under the VCCP within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care. If a request by a veteran for care or services under the VCCP is denied, the VA must notify the veteran within two business days of the reason for the denial and instructions on how to appeal the denial using the clinical appeals process of the Veterans Health Administration.

Among other elements, the bill also requires

the Government Accountability Office to report on the VA's efforts to ensure veterans are informed about eligibility for care and services under the VCCP and the performance of the Office of Integrated Veteran Care in improving access to care for veterans in VA facilities;
VCCP providers to submit a claim for payment to the VA not later than one year after the care or service was furnished (current law requires submission within 180 days);
the Office of Inspector General of the VA to assess the performance of each VA medical center in implementing the VCCP.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 1315

Bill S 1315 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 26, 2023. Bill S 1315 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 26, 2023. Bill S 1315's most recent activity was Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. as of July 12, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1315

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1315

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

- Computers and information technology

- Congressional oversight

- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

- Government information and archives

- Government studies and investigations

- Health information and medical records

- Health personnel

- Health technology, devices, supplies

- Performance measurement

- Telephone and wireless communication

- Veterans' medical care

- Veterans' organizations and recognition

- Veterans' pensions and compensation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1315

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

A bill to improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.