To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

This bill proposes to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program by modifying how payment rates are determined for services provided to veterans. It mandates that the VA Secretary establish specific payment rates based on the location where the care or services are rendered , rather than the provider's headquarters. The bill specifies distinct locations for which rates must be set, including: Inpatient hospitals On-campus and off-campus hospital outpatient departments Ambulatory surgical centers Physician offices Furthermore, it requires that claims for payment include a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code to identify the service location. A key provision also stipulates that if more than one rate could apply for a particular service, the Secretary must pay the lowest applicable rate . These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.