2900-AS20 202510 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Telehealth Grant Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations to implement a statutory authority establishing a telehealth grant program. Under this authority, VA will enter into new agreements, and expand existing ones, to enhance telehealth capabilities and provide telehealth services through the establishment of telehealth access points in rural, highly rural, or medically underserved areas. This rule also amends the copayment regulation by expanding the copayment exemption for certain telehealth encounters to include all telehealth encounters. These changes will increase veteran access to health care particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. 

]]> Other Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage No No Not subject to, not significant 38 CFR 17.108 38 CFR 62.2 38 CFR 79.5 38 U.S.C. 2011 42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3) Yes

Veterans in rural and underserved areas face persistent barriers to care, including limited broadband, long travel distances, and health care provider shortages. This final rule will establish a grant program pursuant to Section 701 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 to fund telehealth access points.

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38 U.S.C. 501, 1710, 1720, 1722B; Pub. L. 116-171. This final rule will add regulations governing the grant program in new 38 CFR part 84.

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VA considered expanding mobile clinics or increasing travel reimbursements, but these options were less scalable and more costly.

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Estimated cost is $43.4 million over five years, including $4.6 million in administrative costs and $38.8 million in transfers. Benefits include improved access, reduced travel costs, and enhanced Veteran satisfaction. VA anticipates $779,000 in travel savings and a loss of $7.9 million in copayment revenue, which would be offset by broader system efficiencies.

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The main risk is underutilization of telehealth access points, which will be mitigated by targeting high-need areas and integrating oversight through VA’s Office of Connected Care. Increases on demand are expected to be minimal and manageable.

]]> NPRM 11/13/2024 89 FR 89519 NPRM Comment Period End 01/13/2025 Final Action 07/00/2026 No None No No No No Leonie Heyworth Dr. Deputy Director for Clinical Services - Office of Connected Care 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA 202 461-6525 leonie.heyworth@va.gov Washington DC 20420