Bills · S 275
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 275Employment and training programsVeterans' medical care
Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION JUL 30
READING
37MIN
COSPONSORS
15
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to directly address ongoing issues of timely and accessible healthcare for veterans, a concern frequently raised by those who have served. If this bill becomes law, it would provide veterans with more certainty and options for receiving medical care outside the VA system when the VA cannot meet specific, measurable standards for appointment wait times and travel distances. This could lead to reduced delays in necessary medical treatment and improved overall health outcomes for many veterans.
Without this bill, the current, potentially less defined, access standards for the Veterans Community Care Program would remain, leaving the VA with more discretion in determining when a veteran qualifies for private sector care. Voters should care about this legislation as it impacts the government's commitment to providing quality and timely healthcare to those who have sacrificed for the country, potentially enhancing their well-being and satisfaction with the services they receive.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes specific eligibility standards for veterans to access care outside the VA if VA appointments for primary/mental health/extended care exceed a 30-minute drive or 20 days, or for specialty care exceed a 60-minute drive or 28 days.
This provides veterans with clear, objective criteria to seek private care if the VA cannot provide timely, local appointments, potentially reducing wait times and travel burdens.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits the VA from considering telehealth appointments when determining if it meets the eligibility standards for offering in-person care within the specified drive times and wait times.
This ensures veterans are offered eligible in-person community care options if the VA cannot provide an in-person appointment within the access standards, rather than solely relying on telehealth.
PROVISION 03
Requires the VA to calculate wait times from the original request date if a veteran's appointment is canceled by the VA for a reason other than the veteran's request.
This protects veterans from having their wait time effectively reset if the VA cancels their appointment, ensuring they are not penalized for VA scheduling issues.
PROVISION 04
Mandates the VA to conduct a review of these access standards every three years, consulting with various stakeholders including veterans and private healthcare providers, and to submit a report on its findings and recommendations to Congress.
This ensures the access standards remain relevant and effective over time, allowing for adjustments based on real-world experience and stakeholder feedback, promoting ongoing accountability.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 15
R· Kansas
YRS IN OFFICE
29
BILLS LED
85
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 15 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSJUL 30
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
MAR 11
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-35.
JAN 28
Introduced in Senate
JAN 28
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 275
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionJul 30, 2025
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
Senate BillS 275Employment and training programsVeterans' medical care
Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 30, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
37 min
COSPONSORS
15
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
