Easier Veteran Access to Rural Hospitals and Clinics
This act makes it easier for veterans to access healthcare by allowing them to use critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program. This means veterans living within 35 miles of such facilities will not need prior authorization or a referral, simplifying and speeding up access to necessary medical care.
Key points
Veterans living within 35 miles of rural hospitals or clinics can access them without a referral.
Rural hospitals and clinics will be paid for veteran services at Medicare rates, potentially encouraging more patient admissions.
Payments for veteran services are to be processed faster, within 60 days of claim submission.
Introduced
Citizen Poll