The Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023 strengthens the Veterans Community Care Program by establishing clearer access standards and notification requirements for veterans seeking care outside VA facilities. The bill codifies specific timeframes for when veterans can access community care, including appointments within 20 days for primary and mental health care at facilities less than 30 minutes away, and within 28 days for specialty care at facilities less than 60 minutes away. The VA must notify veterans of their eligibility for community care within two business days and notify them within two business days if their request for care is denied, including instructions on how to appeal. The legislation also requires the VA to inform veterans about telehealth options, conduct outreach about available services, and implement value-based payment models with community providers. Additionally, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program to test improvements in scheduling and provider coordination and directs the VA Inspector General to assess how well medical centers identify eligible veterans and deliver timely care. The bill does not include specific new funding amounts but mandates these implementation activities be completed within specified timeframes, with initial progress reports due within 180 days of enactment.
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