Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
What this bill does
The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, introduced in the Senate, proposes changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles certain medications for veterans in State homes. Specifically, it would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to either reimburse State homes for the cost of specific "costly medications" or furnish these medications directly to the State homes. This would apply to veterans receiving nursing home care in these State homes.
The bill defines a "costly medication" as a drug where the average wholesale price for a month's supply, plus a 3 percent transaction fee, exceeds 8.5 percent of the payment the VA makes to the State home for that veteran's care. It affects State homes that contract with the VA to provide nursing home care and administer these specific medications to veterans.
This bill has just been introduced in the Senate by Senator Angus King and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. No further action has been taken on it as of its introduction date.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
24 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Common questions
- What does S. 5497 do?
- The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, introduced in the Senate, proposes changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles certain medications for veterans in State homes. Specifically, it would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to either reimburse State homes for the cost of specific "costly medications" or furnish these medications directly to the State homes. This would apply to veterans receiving nursing home care in these State homes. The bill defines a "costly medication" as a drug where the average wholesale price for a month's supply, plus a 3 percent transaction fee, exceeds 8.5 percent of the payment the VA makes to the State home for that veteran's care. It affects State homes that contract with the VA to provide nursing home care and administer these specific medications to veterans. This bill has just been introduced in the Senate by Senator Angus King and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. No further action has been taken on it as of its introduction date.
- Has S. 5497 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5497. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5497?
- S. 5497 was sponsored by Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME] (I-ME), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5497?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (24 Sep 2026).
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