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Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act

3/19/2025, 3:42 PM

Summary of Bill HR 961

Bill 119 HR 961, also known as the Veterans Health Savings Account Pilot Program Act, aims to create a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would allow veterans to receive primary care services through non-Department direct primary care service arrangements. This program would establish veteran health savings accounts, which would enable veterans to use funds from these accounts to pay for primary care services outside of the VA system.

The goal of this pilot program is to provide veterans with more flexibility and choice in their healthcare options, as well as to potentially reduce wait times and improve access to care. By allowing veterans to seek primary care services from non-VA providers, the program seeks to address some of the challenges faced by veterans in accessing timely and quality healthcare.

The bill also includes provisions for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish guidelines and criteria for the pilot program, as well as to report to Congress on the program's implementation and outcomes. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for the use of funds in the veteran health savings accounts and specifies that any unused funds may be rolled over to the following year. Overall, Bill 119 HR 961 aims to explore new ways to improve healthcare options for veterans and to potentially enhance their overall healthcare experience.

Congressional Summary of HR 961

Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system with the option to receive primary care services from a non-VA health care provider under a direct primary care service arrangement and pay using a veteran health savings account.

Current Status of Bill HR 961

Bill HR 961 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill HR 961 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 4, 2025.  Bill HR 961's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of March 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 961

Total Number of Sponsors
6
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
6
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 961

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 961

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to provide veteran health savings accounts to allow veterans to receive primary care furnished under non-Department direct primary care service arrangements, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to provide veteran health savings accounts to allow veterans to receive primary care furnished under non-Department direct primary care service arrangements, and for other purposes.

Comments

Houston Atkinson profile image

Houston Atkinson

697

1 year ago

This bill, HR 961, will provide veterans with direct access to primary care services outside of the VA system. This means that veterans will have more options for their healthcare needs and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. As a 58 year old male from IN, this bill could greatly benefit me personally by giving me more control over my healthcare choices. It's a step in the right direction for improving access to quality care for our veterans.

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