Bill · S. 3999· Senate(119-S-3999)
Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2026
- Last activity
- 4/29/2026 — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- Sponsored by
- Marsha Blackburn
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act," aims to change how women veterans access specific medical services. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to let covered women veterans schedule appointments for women's specialty care directly. This includes care provided through the Veterans Community Care Program. The bill prohibits the need for a referral from a Department of Veterans Affairs primary care provider. Additionally, the Secretary is barred from requiring extra administrative steps or screenings to access this care.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would women be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically improves access to essential reproductive and specialty health services for women.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill removes referral requirements and administrative barriers to improve access to women's specialty care for veterans.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill streamlines the process for veterans to schedule necessary specialty care appointments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Direct Access to Care: Covered veterans can schedule appointments for women's specialty care—such as gynecology, obstetrics, maternity, and postpartum care—without needing a referral from a primary care provider (Section 2(a)).
-
Increased Convenience: The Secretary must ensure direct scheduling is available through medical centers, clinics, telephone, and online scheduling tools (Section 2(b)).
-
Removal of Red Tape: The Secretary is prohibited from requiring any additional approval, referral, or screening steps as a condition for a veteran to access women's specialty care (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not list any specific provisions that would result in negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For Veterans+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5
- 4/29/2026
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Maggie HassanDemocrat · New Hampshire