Bills · HR 748
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 748Veterans' medical careEmergency medical services and trauma care
RELIEVE Act
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION DEC 19
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
5
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 closes a significant gap in healthcare coverage for veterans during a crucial time: immediately after they enroll in VA care. Many veterans sign up for VA healthcare but may not receive their first direct service or appointment for weeks or even months. If an emergency happens during this initial period, the current 'prior receipt of care' rule could leave them responsible for substantial medical bills, even though they are technically part of the VA system.
By removing this requirement for the first 60 days after enrollment, the RELIEVE Act gives newly enrolled veterans peace of mind and access to reimbursement for emergency treatment without an arbitrary waiting period tied to their first VA visit. This can prevent financial hardship and reduce administrative stress for veterans needing urgent medical attention. If this bill does not become law, newly enrolled veterans could continue to face denials for emergency care reimbursement if they haven't met the prior VA care requirement, potentially leading to medical debt or delayed care.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Removes the requirement for prior VA care for veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment through the Veterans Community Care program.
This simplifies the process for a specific group of veterans to get emergency medical bills paid.
PROVISION 02
This waiver of the prior VA care requirement applies only if the emergency treatment was received within 60 days of the veteran enrolling in the VA health care system.
It specifically targets newly enrolled veterans, providing a safety net during their initial period with the VA.
PROVISION 03
The changes made by this bill will apply to emergency treatment received one year after the bill becomes law.
This provides time for the VA to implement the new policy and for veterans to be informed of the upcoming change.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
28
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 40%
DEM 4 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSDEC 19
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
JAN 28
Introduced in House
JAN 28
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 748
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionDec 19, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
House BillHR 748Veterans' medical careEmergency medical services and trauma care
RELIEVE Act
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 19, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
