Bills · HR 5261
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5261Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 10· LAST ACTION SEP 22
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical costs for veterans who experience emergencies and need care outside of VA facilities. Many veterans rely on their VA benefits for healthcare but might use private insurance for emergency situations or simply find themselves at a non-VA hospital during an emergency. The current policy often leaves veterans on the hook for co-payments in these situations, which can be a financial burden. If this bill becomes law, veterans would have greater financial protection when facing unexpected emergency medical bills. If it doesn't pass, the current policy would continue, meaning veterans with other health insurance would still generally not be reimbursed by the VA for any co-payments for non-VA emergency care, continuing the financial strain for many who have paid these costs, especially for older claims from 2012 onward.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The VA would be able to reimburse veterans for copayments of $100 or more for emergency medical treatment received at non-VA facilities, even if the veteran has other health insurance.
This closes a gap in coverage, providing financial relief for veterans facing significant out-of-pocket costs for emergency care.
PROVISION 02
The new reimbursement rules would apply retroactively to emergency treatment claims dating back to February 1, 2012.
This allows veterans with previously denied claims from the past decade to seek reimbursement, addressing long-standing financial grievances.
PROVISION 03
The bill explicitly includes claims from a specific class-action lawsuit (Wolfe v. McDonough) in its retroactive application.
This directly addresses the legal dispute regarding VA reimbursement for non-VA emergency care, providing a legislative solution for those affected.
PROVISION 04
The bill defines "copayment" specifically as a fixed amount paid by an individual for a covered health service, explicitly excluding deductibles or coinsurance from this definition.
This clarifies which specific out-of-pocket costs are eligible for reimbursement under the new $100 threshold, preventing confusion and potential abuse.
PROVISION 05
It defines "reimbursement claim" broadly to include any cost share (copayment, deductible, coinsurance) for non-VA emergency treatment, including claims previously rejected or denied by the VA.
This ensures that veterans can resubmit a wide range of previously denied claims for reconsideration under the new rules.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
78
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSSEP 22
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
SEP 10
Introduced in House
SEP 10
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5261
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 10, 2025
Last actionSep 22, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 10, 2025
House BillHR 5261Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED SEP 10, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 22, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
