US SB4131

Secretary of Veterans Affairs must launch a 5-year pilot program within one year of enactment allowing board-certified surgeons to negotiate market-based rate adjustments for neurosurgery services under the Veterans Community Care Program

Pilot program must operate in at least two Veterans Integrated Service Networks with large veteran populations in rural or highly rural areas

Rate adjustments only apply when the provider demonstrates necessity, current rates are insufficient to cover costs, and the veteran lives in an area with no other neurosurgery options within 60 days wait-time or 100 miles

VA Inspector General must conduct annual reviews of the pilot program for compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness, submitting findings to Congress

Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing patient numbers, services furnished, total costs, health outcomes, and policy recommendations on whether to extend or make the program permanent