Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran have introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing access to healthcare for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community providers. The proposed bill, named the Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025, seeks to establish existing community care access standards as the baseline for veterans seeking care outside VA facilities.

Chairman Bost emphasized the need for local and timely care for veterans, stating, "The VA community care program is a promise to veterans to provide local, on-time care – which is why we must ensure that VA facilities across the country are focused squarely on providing care for veterans, regardless of whether it's in-house or in their community." He criticized efforts during the Biden-Harris administration that allegedly restricted healthcare choices for veterans. "That’s dead wrong," he added.

Chairman Moran highlighted issues faced by veterans in accessing necessary medical services: "No veteran – especially one facing cancer, addiction, chronic pain or a mental health condition – should have to wait weeks or months for the care they need or have to fight to receive the community care referrals they are entitled to by law." He expressed gratitude towards Rep. Bost for co-introducing the legislation and stressed its importance: "Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where, and how to use the health care benefits they have earned through their service."

The introduction of this act follows recent hearings where testimonies revealed long wait times and other barriers hindering access to critical healthcare services for veterans. The legislation has garnered support from various members of Congress including Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rep. Jen Kiggans.

Numerous veteran service organizations and advocacy groups have also endorsed the Veterans’ ACCESS Act. These include Wounded Warrior Project, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America among others.

More information about the bill can be accessed online.