Biggs introduces bill to expand healthcare options for veterans outside VA

Cami Mondeaux

May 10, 12:11 PM May 10, 12:15 PM

EXCLUSIVE — Veterans would begin to see expanded healthcare options outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs under a new bill being reintroduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) on Wednesday.

The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would allow veterans to choose non-VA-funded healthcare providers by removing the agency from the referral process altogether, according to a copy of the legislation obtained by the Washington Examiner.

LAWMAKERS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND VETERANS’ ACCESS TO NON-VA PROVIDERS

As a result, the legislation would allow veterans to access primary, specialty, and mental healthcare in the private sector without limiting them to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.

“Our nation’s veterans make many sacrifices in their fight to protect our freedoms, and we must uphold the promise we made to provide them quality healthcare,” Biggs told the Washington Examiner. “Often, veterans experience significant delays and unnecessary bureaucracy when seeking care through the VA healthcare system. My bill frees them of those challenges, opening access to community healthcare options to those who need and want them. I will always have our veterans’ backs and urge my colleagues to move this legislation forward.”

The language of the bill is identical to legislation that was introduced in the previous Congress but failed to make it to the floor for a vote. Now that Republicans hold the House majority, Biggs is seeking to push the legislation through the lower chamber.

The legislation would require the VA Center for Innovation Care and Payment to create a three-year pilot program that improves access to healthcare options in the private sector, according to the bill. The VA would also be required to provide information about eligibility, cost-sharing, treatments, and providers to assist veterans in choosing their care.

The VA would then be required to submit a report to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees detailing the implementation and results of the pilot program along with recommendations. The program would become permanent nationwide four years after the enactment of the legislation.

If passed, the pilot program would be funded through appropriations made available to the Veterans Health Administration, according to the bill. The proposed program is modeled after the country’s urgent care system and is largely based on recommendations from a congressionally appointed commission.

Biggs is set to introduce the legislation on Thursday, with a joint version introduced in the Senate by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Tax rebate 2022: Virginia residents have just eight days to claim rebate worth up to $500

Jack Birle

October 24, 12:39 PM October 24, 12:49 PM

Select Virginians have until the beginning of next month to file their 2021 taxes in order to receive a tax rebate of up to $500.

Residents must have received a tax liability for their taxes to get a rebate of up to $250 for individual filers and $500 for joint filers, according to the Virginia Tax Commission.

JANET YELLEN BOASTS OF COUNTRY’S ‘ECONOMIC WELL-BEING’ AHEAD OF MIDTERM ELECTIONS

The state's online portal for the rebates opened on Sept. 19, with eligible residents who filed their 2021 taxes by Sept. 5 set to receive their rebate by the end of October. There are 3.2 million taxpayers in Virginia who are eligible for the tax rebates, according to the state.

The state's tax commission defines a tax liability as the amount of money owed in taxes subtracted by tax credits or deductions.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) touted the bipartisan tax rebates for giving money back to citizens in a press release last month.

"As Virginians face high inflation and prices coming from policies set in Washington, these one-time tax rebates will help families lower the cost of living," Youngkin said. "Past administrations have overtaxed Virginians and by returning taxpayer money to Virginia's taxpayers we are ensuring that hard working Virginians get to keep more of their paycheck during these difficult economic times."

Rebates will be delivered to eligible Virginians by direct deposit or paper check — to those who file their 2021 taxes by Nov. 1.

Virginia officials have also said the rebate will be used to fulfill any outstanding debt to certain government agencies or departments before being given to people.