VA Preventing Duplicate Payments Act of 2022 Introduced to Streamline Billing Process for Veterans' Healthcare Services

Strategic Insights -

Reps. Elaine Luria (D-VA) introduced the VA Preventing Duplicate Payments Act of 2022 to prevent duplicate payments for the same medical services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense (DOD). The legislation aims to streamline the billing process between agencies, combat waste, and improve services for veterans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VA Preventing Duplicate Payments Act of 2022 aims to prevent duplicate payments for the same medical services by the VA, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense (DOD).
  • The legislation would update data sharing requirements and determine which agency should pay claims in situations where duplication exists.
  • The bill explicitly allows the VA, CMS, and DOD to establish interagency policies and agreements to determine which agency is required to pay claims.
  • Rep. Luria's legislation would permit the agencies to collect reclaim payments when duplication occurs.
  • The bill would help end duplicative payments by VA, TRICARE, and CMS for the same health care services, reducing waste and improving services for veterans.
  • Rep. Luria's legislation is a companion to two of her bills included in the Honoring Our PACT Act, which passed the House of Representatives on March 3, 2022.
  • The COVENANT Act addresses toxic exposure, and the Veterans Disability Claims Notification Improvement Act ensures the timely processing and notification of veteran claim decisions through modern, electronic means.

Statistics:

  • Medical providers outside of the VA system bill and receive payment from the VA, TRICARE, and the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services (CMS) for the same services being paid for by the VA.
  • The VA, CMS, and DOD would be able to collect reclaim payments when duplication occurs, potentially amounts not specified in the article.
  • The Honoring Our PACT Act included two of Rep. Luria's bills, with no further statistics mentioned.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02)