Bills · HR 71
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 71Veterans' medical careHealth care coverage and access
Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION FEB 6
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it directly addresses long-standing concerns about veterans' access to quality and timely healthcare. Many veterans currently face challenges like long wait times for appointments, limited availability of specific specialists within their local VA system, or the need to travel significant distances to VA facilities.
If this bill becomes law, it would empower veterans by giving them more control over their healthcare decisions, potentially reducing wait times and improving access to specialized care by allowing them to choose providers more freely, both within and outside the VA. If it doesn't pass, veterans would continue to operate under existing rules, which often restrict their choices based on VA capacity, geography, and specific administrative requirements, potentially prolonging existing access issues and frustration.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a three-year pilot program for veterans to choose their healthcare providers in at least four Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).
This pilot program allows for testing and evaluation of increased veteran choice before implementing changes nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Removes existing requirements that limit veterans' access to community (non-VA) healthcare facilities based on criteria like wait times or distance.
This provision aims to make it easier for veterans to get care outside the VA system when needed, potentially reducing delays and expanding options.
PROVISION 03
Allows veterans to receive care at any VA medical facility across the country, regardless of which Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) they reside in.
This provides veterans greater flexibility to seek care at specific VA facilities that might offer better services or be more convenient, removing geographical barriers.
PROVISION 04
Requires veterans participating in the program to select a primary care provider to coordinate their care and refer them to specialists.
This ensures that despite increased choice, veterans' medical care remains organized and comprehensive, preventing fragmented treatment.
PROVISION 05
Mandates that the expanded choices introduced in the pilot program become permanent nationwide four years after the bill's enactment.
This ensures that successful aspects of the pilot program will eventually benefit all eligible veterans across the country, fundamentally changing VA healthcare access.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
R· Arizona
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
110
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 13 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSFEB 6
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 71
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionFeb 6, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House BillHR 71Veterans' medical careHealth care coverage and access
Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
