START Act of 2025

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.