START Act of 2025

House Votes

This bill sets a clear rule for VA referrals to non-VA doctors. It says the “clock” on a veteran’s referral starts on the day of the veteran’s first appointment with the non-VA provider. This aims to make sure referrals don’t expire before a veteran can actually be seen, helping veterans complete their care without extra delays or paperwork .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Veterans using the VA’s Community Care Program to see non-VA doctors.
• What changes: The referral period begins on the date of the first non-VA appointment, not earlier.
• Why it matters: Helps prevent referrals from running out before care begins, making it easier to finish treatment once an appointment is scheduled.