This bill, known as the RELIEVE Act , seeks to improve the eligibility of veterans for reimbursement for emergency treatment provided through the Veterans Community Care program. It specifically amends title 38, United States Code, to modify the existing requirements for such reimbursement. The key provision waives the requirement for veterans to have received prior care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system if their emergency treatment occurs within 60 days of their enrollment in the VA system. This change ensures that newly enrolled veterans are eligible for reimbursement for emergency services without needing to meet the prior care stipulation. The amendment will apply to emergency treatment furnished one year after the bill's enactment date.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Armed Forces and National Security
Emergency medical services and trauma careHealth care costs and insuranceVeterans' medical care
RELIEVE Act
USA119th CongressHR-748| House
| Updated: 12/19/2025
This bill, known as the RELIEVE Act , seeks to improve the eligibility of veterans for reimbursement for emergency treatment provided through the Veterans Community Care program. It specifically amends title 38, United States Code, to modify the existing requirements for such reimbursement. The key provision waives the requirement for veterans to have received prior care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system if their emergency treatment occurs within 60 days of their enrollment in the VA system. This change ensures that newly enrolled veterans are eligible for reimbursement for emergency services without needing to meet the prior care stipulation. The amendment will apply to emergency treatment furnished one year after the bill's enactment date.