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Faster Veteran Care: New Access Standards, Digital Services, and Staff Recruitment.

This Act establishes strict deadlines for scheduling veteran appointments (7 days for non-urgent, 48 hours for urgent) across both VA and community care providers. It modifies eligibility for community care, allowing veterans to seek external providers if VA wait times exceed 20 or 28 days. Furthermore, the legislation enhances VA staff recruitment programs and introduces a digital portal for CHAMPVA application and claims submissions.
Key points
Veterans gain faster access to care: non-urgent appointments must be scheduled within 7 days, and urgent care must be completed within 48 hours.
Expanded Community Care access: veterans can choose external providers if VA wait times exceed 20 days (primary/mental health) or 28 days (specialty care).
Creation of the 'Start and Stay at VA' program offering scholarships and debt reduction to medical support staff to improve VA workforce retention.
Improved mental health residential treatment: strict timeliness standards (72 hours for priority cases) and guaranteed placement options, including transportation assistance.
CHAMPVA beneficiaries (veterans' families) can now submit applications, documentation, and claims electronically via a new online portal.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2649
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Process start date: 2023-07-27
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2649.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Veterans gain faster access to care: non-urgent appointments must be scheduled within 7 days, and urgent care must be completed within 48 hours.
  • Expanded Community Care access: veterans can choose external providers if VA wait times exceed 20 days (primary/mental health) or 28 days (specialty care).
  • Creation of the 'Start and Stay at VA' program offering scholarships and debt reduction to medical support staff to improve VA workforce retention.
  • Improved mental health residential treatment: strict timeliness standards (72 hours for priority cases) and guaranteed placement options, including transportation assistance.
  • CHAMPVA beneficiaries (veterans' families) can now submit applications, documentation, and claims electronically via a new online portal.
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. Tester, Jon [D-MT].

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.

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