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Bill

HR 874

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Eli Crane and 1 co-sponsor

HR 874 adjusts pay rates for the VA's Community Care Program based on location, ensuring veterans receive fair compensation for services starting January 1, 2026.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 874

Summary of HR 874: Community Care Program Pay Rate Modification

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 874
Title: 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.
Introduced On: January 31, 2025
Current Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 874 is to amend the existing provisions related to the payment rates for care and services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill aims to ensure that the compensation for these services reflects the geographical location where the care is delivered. This change is intended to address disparities in pay rates that may arise due to varying costs of living and service availability across different regions.

Key Provisions

  • Modification of Pay Rates:
    • The bill proposes to amend Section 1703(i) of title 38, United States Code.
    • Specifically, it removes the phrase "Except as provided in paragraph (2), and to the extent practicable" and replaces it with "The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2026."
    • This change indicates a clear directive for the implementation of the new pay rates starting from the specified date.

Affected Parties

  • Veterans: The bill directly impacts veterans who utilize the Community Care Program, as it aims to improve the quality and accessibility of care they receive based on their location.
  • Healthcare Providers: Providers offering services under the Community Care Program will also be affected, as the modification in pay rates may influence their operational budgets and willingness to participate in the program.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA will need to adjust its payment structures and potentially its budgeting processes to accommodate the new pay rates.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced in House: January 31, 2025
  • Referred to House Committee on Veterans' Affairs: January 31, 2025
  • Referred to Subcommittee on Health: March 4, 2025
  • Effective Date of Amendments: January 1, 2026

Conclusion

HR 874 seeks to enhance the Community Care Program by adjusting payment rates based on geographical considerations, thereby ensuring fair compensation for services provided to veterans. The bill is currently under review by the Subcommittee on Health, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026, should it pass through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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