Kline, Klobuchar, Minnesota Delegation Call on VA to Fix Unfair Billing Practices

Press Release

The Minnesota congressional delegation sent a letter today to U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald seeking answers on how the VA intends to fix systemic problems that resulted in the VA planning to bill Minnesota veterans for co-pays of thousands of dollars for health care services provided as long as five years ago. The letter -- which was led by Representative John Kline and Senator Amy Klobuchar, and co-signed by Senator Al Franken and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Rick Nolan, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Erik Paulsen, and Tom Emmer -- also asks the VA to delay action in notifying and seeking payment from veterans until a series of questions and concerns have been addressed.

"Our veterans sought care at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in good faith and should not be suddenly saddled with thousands of dollars in bills years later due to the VA's inability to properly track, record, and bill for services," the lawmakers wrote. "Each year, Congress appropriates billions to the VA for administering medical care and benefits earned by our veterans through their service to our nation. The VA must investigate how these charges went unbilled and immediately correct any systemic issues."

Recently, members of Congress were notified that the VA discovered unbilled co-pay amounts for inpatient care provided to veterans over a five-year period. Most concerning, veterans will be assessed co-pays ranging from $1,000-$3,000 because the VA erred in not charging veterans at the time of care. These charges are expected to appear on veterans' upcoming monthly statements.

"This VA review is likely to cause confusion, frustration, and stress for many veterans in Minnesota and Wisconsin who sought care at the VA," the delegation said. "Many of our veterans live on fixed incomes or may not have the resources immediately available to cover the unexpected costs caused by the VA's erroneous billing procedures. The VA must ensure any adverse impacts are mitigated to the fullest extent possible."

The billing delays and errors also affect veterans in Wisconsin. Also co-signing the letter to Sec. McDonald were Wisconsin Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin, and Reps. Ron Kind and Sean Duffy.