II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 815 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 8, 2007 Mr. Craig introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To provide health care benefits to veterans with a service-connected disability at non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities that receive payments under the Medicare program or the TRICARE program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans Health Care Empowerment Act of 2007.

2.

Health care benefits for veterans with a service-connected disability at non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, or any other provision of law, any veteran with a service-connected disability may receive necessary hospital care or medical services for any condition at any hospital or medical facility or from any medical provider eligible to receive payments under— (1)the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); or (2)the TRICARE program. (b)

Cost of care and service

The cost of any hospital care or medical services provided under this section shall be borne by the United States. (c)

Definitions

In this section: (1)The term hospital care has the meaning given such term in section 1701(5) of title 38, United States Code. (2)The term medical services has the meaning given such term in section 1701(6) of title 38, United States Code. (3)The term service-connected has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (4)The term TRICARE program has the meaning given such term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code. (d)

Sunset

This section shall cease to have effect on September 30, 2009.