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ASCA Endorses Veterans Deserve Better Act

This federal legislation would streamline claims reimbursement for private-sector veterans care

BY JEFF EVANS | APRIL 2018

ASCA endorses federal legislation that, if passed, would support ASCs as they serve combat veterans. The Veterans Deserve Better Act (H.R. 4783 / S. 2239), introduced by Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in the US House of Representatives and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in the US Senate, addresses claims reimbursement for care providers outside of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The measure would require non-VA provider claims to be reimbursed in 30-45 days. Bill Prentice, ASCA’s chief executive officer, issued an endorsement letter to both legislators.

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Since the 2014 passage of the Veterans’ Access to Care Through Choice Accountability and Transparency Act, commonly referred to as the Choice Act, private-sector appointments for veterans enrolled in the VA system have increased 61 percent. In FY 2016 alone, 30 percent of all veterans’ care appointments occurred in the private sector rather than in VA medical facilities. This expansion of non-VA care is, in large part, a result of the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) established under the Choice Act.

ASCs have served veterans for years, but surgery centers that offer care through the VCP frequently encounter untenable wait times for claims reimbursement. ASCA members report regular delays of up to 12 months or more. Many ASCs depend on timely claims reimbursement, and current circumstances might impede veterans as they seek care in the private sector.

Rosen’s and Stabenow’s legislation is important for veterans' access to care and ASCs' reimbursement on time. Contact your legislators and urge them to support the Veterans Deserve Better Act.

Read ASCA’s endorsement letter. For more information on the Veterans Deserve Better Act, VCP or veterans’ community care programs, write Jeff Evans.