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Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
8/20/2025, 12:43 AM
Summary of Bill HR 740
Bill 119 hr 740, also known as the "Veterans Community Care Program Improvement Act," aims to enhance the care and services provided to veterans through the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill seeks to address various issues within the current program and make improvements to better serve veterans.
One key aspect of the bill is to streamline the process for veterans to access care through the Community Care Program. This includes simplifying the eligibility criteria and improving the coordination between the VA and community providers. The goal is to make it easier for veterans to receive the care they need in a timely manner.
Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided to veterans through the Community Care Program. This includes implementing quality standards for community providers, ensuring that veterans receive high-quality care regardless of where they seek treatment. The bill also includes provisions to improve the coordination of care between VA facilities and community providers to ensure continuity of care for veterans. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to increase transparency and accountability within the Community Care Program. This includes requiring the VA to report on the program's performance and outcomes, as well as ensuring that veterans have access to information about their care options. The bill also includes provisions to address issues related to billing and reimbursement for community providers participating in the program. Overall, Bill 119 hr 740 aims to improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program to better meet the needs of veterans. By streamlining access to care, enhancing quality standards, and increasing transparency and accountability, the bill seeks to ensure that veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.
One key aspect of the bill is to streamline the process for veterans to access care through the Community Care Program. This includes simplifying the eligibility criteria and improving the coordination between the VA and community providers. The goal is to make it easier for veterans to receive the care they need in a timely manner.
Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided to veterans through the Community Care Program. This includes implementing quality standards for community providers, ensuring that veterans receive high-quality care regardless of where they seek treatment. The bill also includes provisions to improve the coordination of care between VA facilities and community providers to ensure continuity of care for veterans. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to increase transparency and accountability within the Community Care Program. This includes requiring the VA to report on the program's performance and outcomes, as well as ensuring that veterans have access to information about their care options. The bill also includes provisions to address issues related to billing and reimbursement for community providers participating in the program. Overall, Bill 119 hr 740 aims to improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program to better meet the needs of veterans. By streamlining access to care, enhancing quality standards, and increasing transparency and accountability, the bill seeks to ensure that veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.
Congressional Summary of HR 740
Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act of 2025 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025
This 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 bill
- establishes 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, and
- extends 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 by
- establishing 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, and
- establishing 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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 740
Bill HR 740 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 28, 2025. Bill HR 740 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 28, 2025. Bill HR 740's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. as of July 23, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 740
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
141Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
141Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 740
Primary Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National SecurityPotential Impact Areas
- Administrative remedies
- Congressional oversight
- Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
- Employment and training programs
- Government information and archives
- Health care coverage and access
- Health information and medical records
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
- Mental health
- Performance measurement
- Transportation costs
- Veterans' medical care
- Veterans' organizations and recognition
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 740
To improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
To improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 740
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