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S219119th CongressWALLET

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

Sponsored By: Senator Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would expand veterans' ability to choose their health care providers across VA and community care. It would start a three-year pilot and then, after four years, apply the pilot's provider-choice rules more broadly to VA and community care.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Permanent VA provider choice expansion

If enacted, starting four years after enactment the VA would remove feasibility limits in 38 U.S.C. 1703 and 1703A for hospital, medical, and extended care. VA would have to offer the same provider-choice rules used in the pilot nationwide. VA must also furnish such care at VA facilities without regard to VISN boundaries. The change would apply to covered veterans and covered individuals but would not authorize new appropriations.

Three-year VA provider choice pilot

If enacted, the VA would run a three-year pilot starting one year after enactment. The pilot would operate in at least four VISNs. Veterans enrolled under 38 U.S.C. 1705 could pick primary care, mental health, and specialty providers inside a defined "covered care system." VA could use non-Department facilities during the pilot without certain feasibility limits. The VA must give participating veterans information on eligibility, costs, and providers. The pilot would use existing VHA funds; no new money is authorized.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

TN • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]

    ND • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

    SD • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 6/10/2025

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 4/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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