This bill aims to enhance healthcare access for veterans across the contiguous United States by amending Title 38, United States Code. It establishes a new requirement for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure comprehensive medical services are available to veterans nationwide. The legislation seeks to guarantee that veterans receive timely and appropriate care within their home states. Specifically, the bill mandates that for each of the 48 contiguous states, the Secretary must ensure veterans can receive hospital care and medical services at not fewer than one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration located within that state. Alternatively, the Secretary must ensure comparable services are provided through contract with other healthcare providers in the state. This provision does not restrict the Secretary from providing care to a veteran in a VHA hospital in another state if needed. Furthermore, the bill includes conforming amendments to the Veterans Community Care Program. It also requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. This report must detail the extent of compliance with the new requirement and assess its effect on improving the quality and standards of care provided to veterans.
This bill aims to enhance healthcare access for veterans across the contiguous United States by amending Title 38, United States Code. It establishes a new requirement for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure comprehensive medical services are available to veterans nationwide. The legislation seeks to guarantee that veterans receive timely and appropriate care within their home states. Specifically, the bill mandates that for each of the 48 contiguous states, the Secretary must ensure veterans can receive hospital care and medical services at not fewer than one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration located within that state. Alternatively, the Secretary must ensure comparable services are provided through contract with other healthcare providers in the state. This provision does not restrict the Secretary from providing care to a veteran in a VHA hospital in another state if needed. Furthermore, the bill includes conforming amendments to the Veterans Community Care Program. It also requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. This report must detail the extent of compliance with the new requirement and assess its effect on improving the quality and standards of care provided to veterans.