Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3482
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-07-08T16:40:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to improve the scheduling of health care appointments for veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program by creating a standardized electronic process for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees. It also extends a temporary limit on certain pension payments.

Key Provisions

Establishes an electronic scheduling system that allows VA schedulers to view, search, sort, and book appointments with both VA and non-VA providers.
Requires the system to send referral and authorization documents directly to non-VA providers and support other necessary functions.
Mandates implementation within two years, along with guidelines, mandatory employee training, performance benchmarks, and outreach to encourage non-VA providers to join the system.
Requires regular reporting to Congress on participation, appointment volumes, wait times, and cancellation rates.
Directs the VA to develop a plan to expand the system to include all VA provider appointments.
Codifies the new scheduling rules into Title 38 of the U.S. Code as section 1703H.
Extends the expiration date for certain pension payment limits from January 31, 2033, to May 31, 2033.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 by replacing an earlier subsection with detailed electronic process requirements.
Adds a new codified section (1703H) to Title 38, United States Code, governing appointment scheduling.
Modifies an existing statutory deadline in section 5503(d)(7) of Title 38 to extend pension-related restrictions by four months.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: Requires the VA to develop or adapt information technology systems, create training programs, conduct outreach, and meet new reporting and oversight obligations.
Citizens (veterans): May reduce scheduling delays and improve access to care by streamlining referrals to community providers.
International relations: No direct effects.
Non-VA providers: Creates incentives and procedures for greater participation in the Veterans Community Care Program through simplified referral processes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Department of Veterans Affairs employees involved in scheduling.
Veterans eligible for care under the Veterans Community Care Program.
Non-Department (community) health care providers participating in the program.
Congressional committees with jurisdiction over veterans’ affairs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill focuses on administrative improvements to existing veterans’ health programs and does not raise apparent constitutional concerns.
It strengthens congressional oversight through multiple required reports and briefings.
The pension extension represents a minor adjustment to prior fiscal limitations without altering underlying eligibility rules.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]

Recent Actions

2026-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2026-05-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-05-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3573-3474)
2026-05-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3573-3474)
2026-05-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3482.
2026-05-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3573-3575)
2026-05-19: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-03-30: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 496.
2026-03-30: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-576.
2026-03-30: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-576.
2026-02-12: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2026-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-02-05: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged
2025-06-11: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-06-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Bill Versions

Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (12 pages)
Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (8 pages)
Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (11 pages)
Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act — issued 2026-03-30 — PDF (14 pages)