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Improved Veteran Healthcare Access: New Standards and Tools.

This act aims to enhance veterans' access to healthcare, both within government facilities and private providers. It introduces new time and distance standards for appointments, facilitates self-scheduling, and increases oversight of service quality. The goal is to provide veterans with faster and more convenient access to necessary medical care.
Key points
Reduced wait times and travel distance: Veterans will be guaranteed primary care or mental health appointments within 20 days and 30 minutes driving time, and specialty care within 28 days and 60 minutes driving time.
Self-scheduling appointments: Veterans will be able to self-schedule appointments with non-Department providers using a dedicated website or mobile app, simplifying appointment management.
Enhanced quality control: New credentialing verification requirements for non-Department healthcare providers are introduced to ensure the safety and quality of services.
Telehealth and rural health improvement: The act mandates strategic plans to improve access to telehealth and healthcare services for veterans in rural areas.
Caregiver support and mental health: Feasibility studies will be conducted to expand caregiver support for veterans overseas and to increase access to evidence-based treatments for treatment-resistant depression.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4624
Sponsor: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]
Process start date: 2021-07-22
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4624.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-07-22.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Reduced wait times and travel distance: Veterans will be guaranteed primary care or mental health appointments within 20 days and 30 minutes driving time, and specialty care within 28 days and 60 minutes driving time.
  • Self-scheduling appointments: Veterans will be able to self-schedule appointments with non-Department providers using a dedicated website or mobile app, simplifying appointment management.
  • Enhanced quality control: New credentialing verification requirements for non-Department healthcare providers are introduced to ensure the safety and quality of services.
  • Telehealth and rural health improvement: The act mandates strategic plans to improve access to telehealth and healthcare services for veterans in rural areas.
  • Caregiver support and mental health: Feasibility studies will be conducted to expand caregiver support for veterans overseas and to increase access to evidence-based treatments for treatment-resistant depression.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits