Protect Seniors and Veterans from Health Care Fraud Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 9502

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-29: 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

2026-07-07T16:29:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation aims to prevent duplicative, improper, or erroneous billings and payments for hospital care and medical services provided under VA laws by improving coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Key Provisions

• The VA Secretary must seek a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the HHS Secretary within one year of enactment.
• The MOU enables reciprocal data sharing between the Veterans Health Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for veterans enrolled in both VA care and Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
• VA will transmit information on enrolled veterans receiving care, including billing and diagnostic codes.
• HHS will use this data to identify overlapping enrollees and return a list of such veterans to VA.
• The MOU lasts two years and requires VA to submit reports to Congress on activities and effectiveness (initial report after one year, then biennially).
• The bill defines the Medicaid program, Medicare Advantage plans, and the Medicare program by reference to the Social Security Act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces a new requirement for VA to pursue formal data-sharing agreements with HHS specifically to address billing overlaps for dually enrolled veterans. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but adds a targeted directive for interagency coordination.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Requires VA and HHS to establish new data-exchange processes, potentially improving billing accuracy but increasing administrative workload.
• Citizens: Aims to reduce improper payments affecting veterans who also receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits, though no direct changes to individual benefits are specified.
• International relations: No impacts identified in the legislation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans concurrently enrolled in VA health care and Medicare, Medicaid, or Medicare Advantage plans.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs and its Veterans Health Administration.
• The Department of Health and Human Services and its Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• Congressional committees on Veterans' Affairs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill focuses on administrative data sharing without addressing privacy protections or constitutional issues in the text. It emphasizes fraud prevention through interagency agreements and congressional oversight via required reports.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-29: 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.
• 2026-06-29: 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.
• 2026-06-29: 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.
• 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-29: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protect Seniors and Veterans from Health Care Fraud Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (5 pages)