S. 2545 — Introduced in Senate

II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2545 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 11, 2016 Mrs. Shaheen introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To modify the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs for reimbursing health care providers under section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Choice Card Prompt Payment Act. 2. Modification of prompt payment requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Choice Program Section 101(d)(2) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Prompt payment by Department (i) In general The receipt by the Secretary of a request for reimbursement for care or services furnished by an entity to an eligible veteran under this section is sufficient to require the Secretary to reimburse the entity for such care or services, even if such request for reimbursement does not include the medical records of the eligible veteran in connection with such care or services. (ii) Period for payment For purposes of chapter 39 of title 31, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Prompt Payment Act), the period during which the Secretary is required to reimburse an entity for care or services furnished under this section shall begin on the date on which the Secretary receives a request for reimbursement described in clause (i), even if such request does not include medical records. (iii) Rule of construction Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to eliminate the requirement of an entity seeking reimbursement for care or services furnished under this section to submit medical records to the Secretary in connection with such care or services. .