Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025 (HR 740) - Summary **What It Does:** This bill aims to improve how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivers healthcare to veterans, focusing on two main areas. First, it establishes clear eligibility standards for veterans to receive care outside the VA system through the Veterans Community Care Program, requires the VA to notify veterans within two business days about whether they qualify for this community care, and gives healthcare providers more time to submit claims for payment. Second, the bill addresses mental health services by requiring the VA to create a standardized screening process to determine which veterans need urgent versus routine admission to mental health residential treatment programs. **Who It Affects:** This legislation directly impacts veterans seeking healthcare services, particularly those who may need care that extends beyond VA facilities or who need mental health treatment.
It also affects healthcare providers and facilities that treat veterans outside the VA system. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. For it to become law, it would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President.
CRS Official Summary
Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act of 2025 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters.Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the billestablishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP,requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, andextends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers.The VA must address its mental health treatment programs byestablishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders,tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, andestablishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner.Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.