PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 111-137.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Feb 3, 2010
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 26, 2009. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Revises provisions concerning the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran for the cost of emergency care provided in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility to provide that, if the veteran has contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in part, extinguish the veteran's liability to the provider of the emergency treatment and payment for the treatment may be made by both the VA and the third party, the amount payable by the VA shall be that which exceeds the cost payable by the third party. Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing a veteran for any copayment or other charge owed to a third party under a health plan contract.
Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse a veteran for the cost of the emergency care described above which is provided before the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that it is appropriate under the circumstances.
People & committees
Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-51] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 111-137.
Became Public Law No: 111-137.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Cleared for White House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13468-13469)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S13468-13469)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4069)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H4069)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1377.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4069-4070)
Mrs. Halvorson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 22.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 111-55.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 111-55.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1377 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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