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Veterans Gain Freedom to Choose Healthcare Providers and Facilities.

This law establishes a pilot program to significantly improve veterans' access to medical care by allowing them to choose their healthcare providers, both within the VA system and in the community. After a three-year trial, these choice provisions are set to become permanent law, removing current restrictions that limit access to non-VA care. This change grants veterans greater control over where and when they receive treatment.
Key points
Veterans enrolled in the VA system gain the right to choose their primary care, specialty, and mental health providers within the VA and authorized community networks.
The requirement that veterans must prove VA care is unavailable before seeking private care is eliminated (set to become permanent after four years).
Veterans can receive care at any VA facility nationwide, regardless of their residential service network.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1545
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Process start date: 2023-05-10
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1545.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-05-10.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Veterans enrolled in the VA system gain the right to choose their primary care, specialty, and mental health providers within the VA and authorized community networks.
  • The requirement that veterans must prove VA care is unavailable before seeking private care is eliminated (set to become permanent after four years).
  • Veterans can receive care at any VA facility nationwide, regardless of their residential service network.
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 Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits