# Plain Language Summary: ACT for Veterans Act

This bill makes it easier for veterans to get emergency medical care at regular hospitals and clinics outside the VA system without worrying about paperwork delays. Right now, when a veteran shows up at a non-VA hospital with an emergency, they have to get authorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs quickly or risk the bill not being covered. This bill gives veterans and their families more time to sort out the paperwork after the emergency happens.

Specifically, the bill requires the VA to give veterans at least 96 hours (four days) after they're admitted to an emergency room to apply for authorization of their care. So if a veteran has a heart attack and goes to the nearest hospital instead of a VA facility, they won't lose coverage just because they couldn't fill out forms before or immediately after being admitted. The VA will retroactively approve the emergency care as long as the veteran or someone acting on their behalf applies for authorization within the timeframe the VA sets—but that timeframe has to be at least four days. This removes a major barrier that could leave veterans stuck with huge medical bills for emergency treatment they couldn't have planned for or delayed to reach a VA facility.

The change is particularly important in rural areas or situations where the nearest VA hospital is far away. Veterans and their families will have breathing room to handle the emergency first and deal with the administrative side afterward, rather than racing against the clock to get authorization while someone is in crisis.

ACT for Veterans Act

Gibbs, Bob

Addressing Care Timelines for Veterans Act or the ACT for Veterans Act This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program to extend the authorization period for emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to deem as authorized emergency care or services provided by a non-VA health care provider to a covered veteran if such veteran applies for authorization within 96 hours (currently 72 hours under VA regulations) of admission for care. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system or those who are not enrolled but are eligible for care due to a service-connected disability.