RELIEVE Act

This bill makes it easier for veterans to get paid back by the VA for emergency care at non-VA hospitals. Normally, a veteran must have gotten VA care within the past 24 months to qualify. The bill creates an exception: if a veteran is newly enrolled in VA health care and needs emergency treatment within 60 days of enrolling, the VA can reimburse that emergency care even if the veteran hasn’t had a VA visit yet.

The change would start for emergency treatments given on or after one year after the bill becomes law.

• Who is affected: Veterans, especially those who just enrolled in VA health care.
• What changes: The 24‑month prior VA care rule is waived for emergencies within 60 days after enrollment; reimbursement can apply to non‑VA facilities.
• When: Applies to emergency care provided starting one year after enactment.