Continuing the Fight for VA Accountability

As appeared in the February 10, 2021 edition of the Elizabethtown Advocate, Ephrata Review, and the Lititz Record

Last week, I reintroduced the VA Billing Accountability Act to protect our nation's veterans from delayed co-payment bills from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation would require the Department of Veterans' Affairs to set specific and clear billing requirements so veterans do not receive outdated co-payments from the VA.

Over the last decade, federal oversight of the VA has uncovered thousands of cases where the VA delivered delayed or inaccurate co-payments to veterans, causing financial stress and debt for military families. In one instance, more than 1,500 veterans were blindsided when they received co-payment bills for VA care dating back as far as five years.

Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to protect our country, and we should be doing all we can to make their transition to civilian life as easy as possible. Forcing them to pay for bureaucratic errors and delays is no way to treat those who have sacrificed to protect our country. These errors are simply unacceptable.

My legislation would grant broad authority for the VA to waive co-payments in instances where the VA caused a delay in billing for more than 120 days. This simple change would result in an end to surprise billing of medical care for our nation's heroes.

This legislation has been introduced in previous sessions of Congress, but I am hopeful that this will be the final session that this issue remains for our nation's brave veterans. More than 40,000 veterans call Pennsylvania's Eleventh Congressional District home. I am thankful for the service of each individual and their efforts to protect and preserve the rights that we enjoy. This legislation is a small way to show appreciation for their service to our nation and is a big step towards ensuring that veterans are receiving the care they deserve.