Debts can be discovered in several ways, to include during a quality review, recapture recovery, an Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit, or a community care provider’s acknowledgement of an overpayment made by VA.

Bill of Collection and Notice of Indebtedness

When VA determines that an overpayment occurred, a Bill of Collection (BOC) and a Notice of Indebtedness (NOI) is issued. This notice:

• formally establishes the debt,
• explains how the debt was calculated, and
• describes the debt collection process, including timelines, offsets, and any applicable fees.

From the date of the BOC/NOI, you have 30 days to resolve the debt by:

• submitting payment, or
• requesting review, or
• submitting documentation showing proof of prior repayment during this time.

If the debt is not resolved within 30 days, VA may begin offsetting future VA payments and assessing applicable fees in accordance with federal financial policy.

If a debt remains unpaid for more than 120 days, VA may refer the debt to the Treasury Offset Program, which may withhold all or part of future federal payments until the debt is resolved.

How to pay a debt

If VA determines that a provider has been overpaid, VA will issue a Bill of Collection with a Notice of Indebtedness and provide payment instructions. Do not send payment to VA before you receive this notice.

Payment must be made through Pay.gov using the instructions included in the Bill of Collection/Notice of Indebtedness.

Debt collection contact

For questions about Bills of Collection, Notices of Indebtedness, payment offsets, fees, or debt resolution options, contact VA Community Care Customer Service.