H.R. 5981 — VA Billing Accountability Act

This section authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the two-year period following enactment, to waive required copayments by certain veterans for hospital care, nursing home care, medical services, or medications if a Department error delayed notification of the copayment requirement beyond 180 days after the veteran received the care or services. This section adds a new section 1709D to 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17, Subchapter I, establishing copayment billing procedures that (1) require notification to veterans of copayments for care at Department facilities within 180 days after receipt of care and at non-Department facilities within 18 months; (2) prohibit collection of such copayments if notification is late unless the Secretary provides information and opportunity to apply for a waiver or establish a payment plan; and (3) authorize waivers for late-notified non-Department copayments caused by errors of the Department, its employees, or the non-Department facility. The new section further directs the Secretary to review issued waivers to reduce future late notifications and terminates two years after enactment. This section further requires the Secretary, not later than 180 days after enactment, to review and improve Department copayment billing internal controls and notification procedures, including pursuant to the amendments made by this section.