H.R. 874 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

This section revises payment rates under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program by (1) requiring the Secretary to establish rates specific to the location where care or services are provided—regardless of the provider's headquarters location—including inpatient hospitals, on-campus hospital outpatient departments, off-campus hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and physician offices; (2) requiring claims for payment to include a unique, geographically specific national provider identifier code identifying such location; and (3) mandating payment of the lowest applicable rate when multiple rates are available. (As background, the Community Care Program authorizes VA to furnish hospital care, medical services, and extended care to eligible veterans through community providers when VA or VA-contracted facilities cannot provide the care timely or appropriately.) The changes take effect on January 1, 2026.