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Improved Veteran Healthcare: Shorter Wait Times and More Care Options

This act aims to enhance veterans' access to healthcare, both within and outside Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. It introduces new standards for appointment wait times and facility distances, and streamlines processes related to mental health care and appeals. This should enable veterans to receive necessary medical assistance more quickly and easily.
Key points
Reduced Wait Times: The act sets maximum wait times for appointments (20 days for primary care, 28 days for specialty care) and maximum distances to facilities (30 minutes for primary, 60 minutes for specialty), ensuring faster access to treatment.
More Treatment Options: Veterans will have greater choice in where and how they receive care, including the option to use non-Department facilities if government facilities do not meet time or distance standards.
Streamlined Mental Health Care: A standardized process for qualifying for mental health treatment programs has been introduced, with priority admission for veterans in urgent need (e.g., at risk of suicide), along with care coordination and transportation.
Easier Appeals and Information: Veterans will receive written notifications of denied services with appeal instructions, as well as access to an interactive online portal for managing appointments and appeals.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_275
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Process start date: 2025-01-28
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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

Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_275.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-01-28.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Reduced Wait Times: The act sets maximum wait times for appointments (20 days for primary care, 28 days for specialty care) and maximum distances to facilities (30 minutes for primary, 60 minutes for specialty), ensuring faster access to treatment.
  • More Treatment Options: Veterans will have greater choice in where and how they receive care, including the option to use non-Department facilities if government facilities do not meet time or distance standards.
  • Streamlined Mental Health Care: A standardized process for qualifying for mental health treatment programs has been introduced, with priority admission for veterans in urgent need (e.g., at risk of suicide), along with care coordination and transportation.
  • Easier Appeals and Information: Veterans will receive written notifications of denied services with appeal instructions, as well as access to an interactive online portal for managing appointments and appeals.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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. Moran, Jerry [R-KS].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits