FOR RELEASE: July 18, 2001

Evans Welcomes Department 
of Veterans Affairs Non-VA Emergency
Care Reimbursement Guidelines
Legislation Championed by Illinois Congressman Becomes Reality

Washington, DC - Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL) recently expressed his satisfaction that the Administration released long-sought rules to guide the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) reimbursement for emergency care delivered in non-VA facilities. 

“This coverage of costs for non-VA provided emergency medical care helps to complete VA’s health care benefits package.  It will ensure eligible veterans that neither they nor their families will be saddled with an enormous cost burden when they are recuperating from a health condition requiring urgent care,” said Evans. 

Evans introduced bills in 1998 and 1999 to allow VA to reimburse veterans or hospitals for emergency services delivered to veterans.  He later lobbied successfully for the inclusion of a provision in the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act (P.L. 106-117) which was enacted in November 1999.  Since that time, he has persistently urged the Administration to hasten its rule-making.  VA has been holding claims for emergency care reimbursement since the date the law became effective, May 29, 2000.

Only certain veterans—those who have sought VA care within the last two years and have no other form of insurance—will be able to use the benefit.  Evans also urges all veterans to keep health insurance policies, including Medicare Parts A and B or Medicaid coverage. 

“Not every veteran using VA medical care is eligible for this benefit—it is designed to help veterans who regularly use VA medical care and who have no other health care coverage from becoming impoverished after a catastrophic health event,” said Evans.  “Emergency care is also limited to care that would threaten the life or health of the veteran—VA will not reimburse veterans or hospitals if a veteran simply chooses to use a more convenient local provider’s emergency room for non-urgent care needs, such as a bad cold.”   

Evans said he will continue to monitor VA’s implementation of the law now that rules have been developed.  VA plans to begin reimbursing veterans and hospitals in the near future.

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