What does Preamble of Critical Access for Veterans Care Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand access by veterans to critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes,' aims to modify existing United States Code, specifically title 38. The bill intends to expand veterans' access to critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics within the Veterans Community Care Program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Critical Access for Veterans Care Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act.

What does EXPANSION OF ACCESS BY VETERANS TO CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS of Critical Access for Veterans Care Act do?

This section amends Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically section 1703, to expand veterans' access to critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program. It modifies requirements for prior authorization and referrals, stating that the Secretary may not require authorization or referral for care received at a critical access hospital or affiliated clinic under specific circumstances. The payment rate for services at critical access hospitals and affiliated rural health clinics will align with Medicare rates. Claims for veterans receiving care under the amended subsection (d)(1)(F) will include an identifier and be reimbursed at a cost-based level under the Medicare program. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment, detailing the implementation of these amendments, including claim processing and user experience. The term 'critical access hospital' is defined using the definition from section 1861(mm) of the Social Security Act.

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Critical Access for Veterans Care Act

Last updated: 3/18/2026 · Introduced: 5/22/2025

Author: Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill expands veterans' access to critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics through the Veterans Community Care Program.
It removes certain prior authorization and referral requirements for veterans receiving care at these facilities and aligns payment rates with Medicare.
The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the implementation of these changes, including claim processing and user experience.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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