HR5981119th CongressWALLET

VA Billing Accountability Act

Sponsored By: Representative Smucker

In Committee

Summary

Waives veteran copayments when VA billing errors cause long notification delays. The bill would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive copayments for hospital care, nursing home care, medical services, and medications when VA errors delay telling a veteran about a required payment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Temporary waivers for delayed VA bills

If enacted, for two years the VA could waive copays when an error caused a late bill. For VA care or medications, a waiver could apply if notice came more than 180 days after the care or fill. For non‑VA care, a waiver could apply if notice came after 18 months. Waivers would be case‑by‑case and depend on an error causing the delay.

Timely VA copay notices and safeguards

If enacted, VA would have to tell you about any copay within 180 days for care at VA facilities. For care at non‑VA facilities, VA would have to send notice within 18 months. If VA misses these deadlines, it would be barred from collecting, including through third‑party collectors, unless it first gives you waiver info, payment‑plan options, and a chance to apply. These notice rules would start at enactment and end two years later.

VA billing controls review in 180 days

If enacted, VA would have 180 days to review and improve copay billing controls and notice procedures. VA would also review waiver cases to find ways to cut down late notices. This could reduce surprise bills over time.

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Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Smucker

PA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Ciscomani

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

    WA • R

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Finstad

    MN • R

    Sponsored 11/13/2025

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 12/10/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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