H.R. 3482: Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act

This bill, titled the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, aims to enhance the appointment scheduling process for veterans seeking healthcare services through the Veterans Community Care Program. The main components of the bill are as follows:

1. Implementation of an Online Scheduling Program

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required to establish a new online program. This program will allow VA employees to schedule appointments for veterans with non-Department health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program, utilizing an information technology system.

2. Features of the New Scheduling Program

Under this program:

• VA schedulers will have the capability to view, search, and sort available appointments based on various criteria such as care type, location, and date.
• They will be able to directly schedule appointments with participating non-Department providers.
• Schedulers can provide necessary referral or authorization documents to non-Department providers.
• The Secretary can determine additional necessary functions to be included in this program.

3. Regulations and Outreach

The Secretary must develop regulations governing this new scheduling system within 90 days after the enactment of the bill. These regulations will instruct VA medical center employees to utilize the new system whenever feasible instead of existing processes. Additionally, the Secretary must execute an outreach campaign to encourage non-Department providers to join the program and create a publicly accessible website with program details and participation information.

4. Reporting and Oversight

Throughout the program's operation, the Secretary is required to submit various reports to the congressional Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. These reports will cover:

• Details about participation from non-Department health care providers;
• The number of appointments scheduled through the new system compared to the old process;
• Categories of medical services provided and their monthly breakdown for the duration of the program.

5. Duration of the Program

The new scheduling program will remain in effect for seven years from the date of its enactment, after which it will terminate unless further action is taken to extend it.

6. Transition of the Statute

The existing provisions from the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 will be reformed and codified under a new section in the U.S. Code, ensuring clarity and integration with existing laws regarding veterans' healthcare.

Relevant Companies

• HUM (Humana Inc.) - As a significant provider of healthcare services, including for veterans, Humana may see changes in service demand based on how the new scheduling program affects veterans' choices for healthcare providers.
• UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) - UnitedHealth, which operates in various health plans and services, may be impacted by increases in care utilization among veterans through the Community Care Program.