This bill expands veterans' access to critical access hospitals and rural health clinics under the existing Veterans Community Care Program. Specifically, it allows veterans living within 35 miles of a critical access hospital or affiliated rural clinic to receive care there without needing prior authorization or referrals from the VA. The legislation affects veterans in rural and underserved areas by streamlining the approval process for community-based care. The bill sets payment rates for these services using Medicare's critical access hospital reimbursement rates and requires that claims for this care be processed and paid within 60 days. Within one year of enactment, the VA must report to Congress on how third-party administrators and community care providers are implementing these changes, with particular attention to claim approval, payment timeliness, and veteran satisfaction.
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