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Congress·Reported·S. 1868

Sen. Cramer Introduces the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act

Critical Access for Veterans Care Act

1 day ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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House
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Key Points

  • Veterans living within 35 miles of a critical access hospital or affiliated rural health clinic could receive care there through the Veterans Community Care Program, instead of traveling long distances to a VA facility.
  • The bill removes the requirement for veterans to get prior authorization or a referral before receiving care at these rural hospitals and clinics, cutting red tape and wait times.

    From policy text

    “The Secretary may not require a covered veteran to receive authorization or a referral prior to the receipt of care or services under paragraph (1)(F).”
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  • Critical access hospitals would be paid using Medicare cost-based reimbursement rates rather than standard VA service-based rates, which helps keep small rural hospitals financially viable.

    From policy text

    “at a critical access hospital, including pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(F), the critical access hospital rate established under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) shall apply instead of the service-based rate”
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  • The VA would be required to review and pay claims within 60 days, ensuring rural hospitals and providers are not left waiting months for reimbursement.

    From policy text

    “Claims for covered veterans receiving care under subsection (d)(1)(F) shall be reviewed and payment shall be issued in accordance with the findings of such review not later than 60 days after the submission of the claim.”
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  • The VA must submit a report to Congress within one year on how well the new system is working, including the timeliness of claim payments and the overall experience for veterans and providers.

    From policy text

    “Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on third party administrators and community care providers concerning the implementation of the amendments made by this section”
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HealthcareVeterans

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions
Mar 18, 2026Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Dec 10, 2025Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

May 22, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

May 22, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within months of enactment if passed

Veterans near critical access hospitals gain direct access to care without prior authorization

Rural veterans within 35 miles of a critical access hospital could walk in and receive care without VA pre-approval, significantly reducing travel and wait times.

One year after enactment

VA submits report to Congress on implementation progress

Congress will learn whether claims are being paid on time, whether rural hospitals are participating, and whether veterans are having a good experience with the new system.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Critical Access for Veterans Care Act

Bill NumberS 1868
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.