Veterans Health Administration Reform Act of 2017
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Care in the Community Program to furnish specified hospital care and medical and dental services to eligible veterans through provider agreements with eligible non-VA health care providers. (This program replaces the Veterans Choice Program and other specified programs.)
The bill provides for timely provider reimbursement by the VA.
Reimbursement authority for veterans emergency treatment and urgent care in non-VA facilities is expanded, including by providing emergency transportation reimbursement.
The VA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the coordination of care, and (2) jointly develop and administer a veterans benefits education program.
The VA shall develop and administer an education program to instruct veterans about their VA health care options.