PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 21, 2018
VA Billing Accountability Act
(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the requirement that a veteran make copayments for medication, hospital care, nursing home care, or medical services if the veteran received copayment notification more than 180 days after the medical service or receipt of medication and such delay was caused by VA error.
In requiring a veteran to make a copayment for medical services, the VA shall notify the veteran within 180 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) of the service. If the VA does not provide such notification, it may not collect the payment unless the veteran is provided with an opportunity to apply for a waiver or establish a payment plan.
The VA shall review and improve its copayment billing internal controls and notification procedures.
People & committees
Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-16] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
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 H4247)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H4247)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1972.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4247-4248)
Mr. Dunn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 524.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-681.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-681.
Subcommittee on Health Discharged.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings 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.1972 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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