Sen. Cramer Introduces the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act
The Senate must act next: a Senate floor vote.
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Critical access hospitals — small, rural hospitals with 25 or fewer beds — and their affiliated clinics would gain a new patient stream from veterans. The bill guarantees Medicare-level cost-based reimbursement and requires the VA to pay claims within 60 days, providing financial stability to these often-struggling rural healthcare facilities.
“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.”
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee held a major markup session to consider 15 bills, including S. 1868, the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. The push comes as committee leaders seek to show progress on rural healthcare access following high-profile floor fights over other veteran benefits.
Critiques the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act as a 'red herring' that could siphon public funding away from the VA. The article argues the bill's removal of pre-authorization could interfere with care coordination and lead to the closure of VA facilities by reallocating essential funding.
Reports on legislative efforts to allow veterans living near small rural hospitals to bypass VA referrals. The bill aims to cut red tape by allowing direct access to Critical Access Hospitals and ensuring these facilities are reimbursed at Medicare rates to maintain financial stability.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Critical Access for Veterans Care Act
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