To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5593
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-13T09:05:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 5593, aims to expand healthcare options for veterans by adding fittings for eyeglass lenses to the list of medical services available through the Veterans Community Care Program. This program allows eligible veterans to receive care from non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers when VA facilities are not accessible or suitable.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Existing Law: Updates section 1701(6)(C) of title 38, United States Code, by inserting "services, fittings for eyeglass lenses" after "Optometric" to explicitly include these fittings as authorized medical services.
- Implementation Requirements: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must create policies, procedures, and regulations to enforce the change. These must ensure that eligible veterans can easily schedule eyeglass lens fittings with nearby non-VA providers under section 1703 of title 38.
- Reporting Obligation: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress covering:
- The status of implementing the amendment.
- Any challenges encountered.
- Strategies to address those challenges, if needed.
- An evaluation of benefits to veterans from this expansion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill modifies the definition of optometric services in the Veterans Community Care Program to specifically cover eyeglass lens fittings, which were not explicitly mentioned before. This clarifies and broadens access without altering the program's overall structure or eligibility rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update internal guidelines and possibly train staff, leading to minor administrative costs but improved efficiency in veteran care coordination. No direct impact on international relations.
- On Citizens: Primarily benefits veterans by making it easier to get eyeglass fittings from local providers, potentially reducing wait times and travel burdens for eye care.
- Broader Effects: Could increase utilization of community-based healthcare, supporting local optometry practices while easing pressure on VA facilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Eligible individuals under the Community Care Program gain expanded access to essential eye care services.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementation, regulation, and reporting; must ensure seamless integration with non-VA providers.
- Non-VA Healthcare Providers: Optometrists and eye care clinics in communities near veterans may see increased appointments and reimbursements from the VA.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the framework of the Veterans Community Care Program (established under the VA MISSION Act of 2018) by filling a gap in eye care coverage, promoting equitable access without raising new constitutional concerns.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate veterans' benefits under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution; no apparent conflicts with due process or equal protection principles.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for veteran healthcare enhancements (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially influencing future VA funding debates by highlighting needs in specialized care like optometry.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (2 pages)