Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill makes many changes to how veterans get care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It sets clear time and driving-distance rules for when veterans can use community care instead of VA care. It requires the VA to tell veterans quickly if they are eligible for community care or if a request is denied and to explain how to appeal. The bill adds veteran preferences, continuity of care, and caregiver needs to what the VA must consider when arranging care. It limits the VA from counting telehealth when measuring in-person access. It extends the time health care providers have to submit payment claims to one year.

The bill also creates a standardized screening and admission process for residential mental health and substance use programs. It sets priority criteria (for example, high suicide risk, unsafe living situations, or relapse after other treatments), requires screening within 48 hours and prompt admission for priority cases, and allows use of accredited non-VA facilities if the VA cannot place a veteran quickly. The bill adds performance tracking, oversight, transportation support, training, care coordination, appeals with a 72-hour decision standard, and reporting requirements to Congress. The Comptroller General must review access to residential mental health care.

Finally, the bill requires a plan for an interactive online self-service module for veterans to request and track appointments and appeals. It strengthens the VA Center for Innovation for Care and Payment, requires an annual report and budget line item for the Center, and directs a three-year pilot in at least five locations to let enrolled veterans access outpatient mental health and substance use services from outside providers without prior referral or authorization.

What it means for you#

• If you are a covered veteran, the bill sets specific wait-time and driving-time standards for when you may choose community care instead of VA care.
• The VA must notify you in writing within two business days when it knows you are seeking care and you are eligible.
• If your request for care is denied, the VA must tell you the reason and how to appeal within two business days.
• The VA must consider your care location and provider preferences, continuity of care, and if you need a caregiver or attendant.
• If you need residential mental health or substance use treatment, you should be screened within 48 hours. Priority cases must be offered admission within 48 hours or an option to go to an accredited non-VA facility.
• The bill directs more tracking, training, and follow-up care so providers and VA centers must keep better records and plans for care and discharge.
• The VA will plan an online tool so you can request, track, and appeal care decisions and see referrals and appointments.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text shows sponsors seek to improve access to community care, set clear access standards, speed notifications and appeals, strengthen residential mental health admissions and follow-up, create an online self-service tool, and test pilots to expand outpatient mental health and substance use access through outside providers. No publicly available information on additional sponsor statements in the provided material.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.