Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

This bill makes it easier and faster for veterans to get care, especially mental health care. It sets clear rules for when veterans can choose community care: for primary, mental health, and most extended care, if VA can’t schedule within 20 days or within a 30‑minute average drive, the veteran may use a community provider; for specialty care, the limits are 28 days and a 60‑minute drive. VA cannot use telehealth availability to deny that choice. VA must tell a veteran within two business days when they are eligible, and if care is denied, provide the reason and how to appeal. When discussing options, VA should also talk through telehealth if it fits the veteran’s needs .

It strengthens residential mental health and substance use treatment. VA must create a standard screening process within a year. Veterans who request admission are screened within 48 hours, and those marked “priority” are admitted within 48 hours after that; if VA can’t meet these timelines, veterans can choose a licensed, accredited community program. Screening looks at suicide or overdose risk, unsafe housing, and how symptoms affect daily life, and VA should consider the veteran’s input and keep them near family or other support. Care is coordinated so there’s no gap between detox and admission, a discharge plan is shared with providers, and transportation to and from the program is covered . The bill also orders an online self‑service tool so veterans can request appointments, track referrals, get reminders, and appeal and track decisions, and starts a three‑year pilot at five or more sites so veterans can get outpatient mental health and substance use care without a referral. Providers get up to one year to submit claims for payment. Regular reporting tracks wait times, locations, and costs .

• Who is affected
  • Veterans using VA care, especially those seeking mental health or substance use treatment; caregivers; VA and community providers .
• What changes
  • Clear wait‑time and drive‑time standards for choosing community care; telehealth can’t be used to block that choice.
  • VA must notify veterans of eligibility within two business days; denials must include reasons and appeal steps; telehealth options should be discussed when appropriate .
  • Faster access to residential mental health care: 48‑hour screening; 48‑hour admission for priority cases; option to use qualified community programs if VA can’t place in time; placement considers veteran input and social supports .
  • No‑gap care coordination, discharge planning, record‑sharing, and covered transportation to and from programs .
  • Online self‑service tool for appointments, referrals, reminders, and appeals; three‑year pilot to allow outpatient mental health and substance use care without a referral; longer window (one year) for providers to submit claims .
• When
  • Online tool plan due in 180 days, with quarterly updates for two years.
  • Mental health screening system in place within one year; pilot program launched within one year and runs for three years .
  • Ongoing annual reporting on access and performance.