Senators introduce VA health care bill

Dec 05, 2017 - 10:13 AM

Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) yesterday introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act (S. 2184), legislation to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system and better integrate VA services and community care programs. According to a legislative summary, the bill would consolidate VA community care authorities and create a single program to deliver hospital care, medical services and extended care services to veterans in their communities. The bill also would establish a prompt payment process for community provider services; expand access to walk-in care and telemedicine; clarify that VA could share records with non-department providers for the purpose of furnishing care; and increase the number of graduate medical education residency positions, among other provisions.

Related News Articles

Headline
White House announces deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk to lower drug costs 
The White House announced today that it reached agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to align their drug prices with the lowest paid by other developed…
Headline
Study examines increase in states banning prior authorization in private health plans for OUD medications
A Health Affairs study published Nov. 3 examined an increase in states banning prior authorizations in private insurance plans for opioid use disorder…
Headline
AHA video highlights hospital-community partnerships in New Orleans 
The AHA collaborated with LCMC Health in New Orleans to spotlight innovative efforts that extend care beyond hospital walls. LCMC Health supports families…
Headline
AHA toolkit includes resources to promote 2026 open enrollment 
The AHA has released a social media toolkit with sample posts and graphics encouraging people to sign up for 2026 health coverage via the Health Insurance…
Headline
Cigna announces new pricing model that would share negotiated discounts with consumers
Cigna’s Evernorth division Oct. 27 announced a new, rebate-free pharmacy benefit model, beginning in 2027, that would reduce monthly prescription drug costs by…
Headline
KFF analysis highlights limited physician access in Medicare Advantage plans
A new report from KFF reveals that Medicare Advantage enrollees had access to just 48% of the physicians available to Traditional Medicare beneficiaries in…