START Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-03-26T15:15:02Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1972 START Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/26/2025, 3:15 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1972

Bill 119 hr 1972, also known as the "Veterans Community Care and Referral Act," aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code in order to establish a specific period of time during which a referral of a veteran by a health care provider of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a non-Department provider for care or services under the Community Care Program remains valid.

The Community Care Program allows veterans to receive care from non-Department providers when VA facilities are unable to provide timely or convenient access to necessary services. However, there has been confusion and inconsistency regarding the validity of these referrals, leading to delays and barriers in veterans receiving the care they need.

This bill seeks to address this issue by setting a clear timeframe for how long a referral remains valid, ensuring that veterans are able to access care in a timely manner. By establishing this standard, the bill aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Community Care Program, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of our nation's veterans. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1972 is a bipartisan effort to streamline the referral process for veterans seeking care outside of VA facilities, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare services for those who have served our country.

Congressional Summary of HR 1972

Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025 or the START Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the period for a veteran’s referral for non-VA care under the Veterans Community Care Program begins on the day that the veteran has the first appointment with the non-VA provider.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1972

Bill HR 1972 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 10, 2025. Bill HR 1972 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 10, 2025. Bill HR 1972's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of March 10, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1972

Total Number of Sponsors

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Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1972

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1972

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the period during which the referral of a veteran, made by a health care provider of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to a non-Department provider, for care or services under the Community Care Program of such Department, remains valid.