EXCEPTION TO MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PAYMENTS TO INDIVIDUAL HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS UNDER CHAMPUS.

SEC. 732. EXCEPTION TO MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PAYMENTS TO INDIVIDUAL HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS UNDER CHAMPUS. Section 1079(h) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: “(5) In addition to the authority provided under paragraph (4), the Secretary may authorize the commander of a facility of the uniformed services, the lead agent (if other than the commander), and the health care contractor to modify the payment limitations under paragraph (1) for certain health care providers when necessary to ensure both the availability of certain services for covered beneficiaries and lower costs than would otherwise be incurred to provide the services.”.