Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

Improved Access to Care via Clear Standards: The bill sets specific requirements for driving time and appointment waiting periods for primary, mental health, and specialty care, which may help veterans receive quicker access to medical services (Section 101).

Timely Notification of Eligibility: The Secretary is required to notify eligible veterans in writing within two business days of learning they are seeking care, ensuring veterans know their options sooner (Section �102).

Clearer Denial and Appeal Processes: If a request for care is denied, the Secretary must provide the reason and instructions on how to appeal within two business days, which helps veterans understand their rights (Section 104).

Enhanced Mental Health Support: The bill establishes a standardized screening process to ensure veterans with high-risk symptoms, such as suicide risk or unsafe living situations, can receive priority admission to treatment programs (Section 202.b).

Improved Continuity of Care: For those in mental health programs, the bill requires the Secretary to ensure care options are provided during the period between screening and admission to prevent lapses in care (Section 203.g).

Easier Appointment Management: The creation of an interactive, online self-service module will allow veterans to request appointments, track referrals, and receive reminders (Section 301).

Reduced Financial Burdens for Transportation: For veterans admitted to mental health treatment programs, the Secretary must provide transportation or reimburse the costs to and from the facility (Section 203.c).

Potential Delays via Self-Agreed Exceptions: The eligibility standards for quicker care may not apply if a veteran agrees to a longer driving time or a later appointment date in consultation with a provider (Section 101.a).

Limited Scope of Community Care: The expanded eligibility standards specifically exclude nursing home care from the community care provisions (Section 101.a).