To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in administering the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9476
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T15:07:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9476
Purpose
This legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve administration of the Veterans Community Care Program. The goal is to enhance data sharing for veterans enrolled in both VA health services and Medicare programs, reduce overlapping care or payments, and identify suitable Medicare Advantage options that support veteran-specific health needs.
Key Provisions
- Data Coordination Requirement: Within one year of enactment, the VA Secretary must seek a memorandum of understanding with the HHS Secretary for reciprocal access to data between the Veterans Health Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This applies to veterans enrolled in the VA patient system and either the Medicare program or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Use in Veterans Community Care Program: The VA, through its Office of Integrated Veteran Care, must use the shared information to:
- Prevent duplicative health care services or payments for dual-enrolled veterans.
- Identify specialized Medicare Advantage plans for special needs individuals that include at least three of the following benefit categories: adaptive sports equipment, hearing aids and audiology services, integrated traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, massage therapy, residential rehabilitation, complementary and integrative health services, or other benefits deemed effective for veterans.
- Coordination Offices: The VA may establish a "Veterans Affairs-Medicare Dual Eligibility Coordination Office" within its Office of Integrated Veteran Care. The HHS, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, may establish a corresponding "Medicare-Veterans Affairs Dual Eligibility Coordination Office."
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "Medicare Advantage plan," "Medicare program," and "specialized MA plan for special needs individuals" by referencing relevant sections of the Social Security Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new requirements for interagency data sharing and coordination not previously mandated under section 1703 or 1705 of title 38, United States Code. It expands the VA's role in the Veterans Community Care Program by incorporating Medicare data to address duplication issues and evaluate external plan benefits. It also authorizes the creation of new coordination offices within existing VA and HHS structures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Requires the VA and HHS to develop formal data-sharing agreements and potentially establish dedicated offices, which could improve operational efficiency but may involve administrative setup costs.
- On Citizens: Dual-enrolled veterans could benefit from reduced redundant care and better identification of Medicare plans with veteran-friendly benefits, potentially leading to more coordinated health services.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Veterans Affairs and its Veterans Health Administration.
- The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Veterans concurrently enrolled in VA health care and Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.
- Providers and plans offering specialized Medicare Advantage benefits relevant to veterans.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill promotes interagency collaboration without altering core constitutional authorities of the executive branch departments involved. It focuses on data access for program administration, which may raise considerations around patient privacy under existing federal laws, though the legislation itself emphasizes reciprocal access for coordination purposes. No major shifts in legal frameworks or political structures are outlined.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in administering the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-06-25 — PDF (5 pages)