Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-08-27T03:54:07Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 275 Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) 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.

8/27/2025, 3:54 AM

Summary of Bill S 275

Bill 119 s 275, also known as the Veterans Community Care Program Improvement Act, aims to enhance the care and services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program. The bill seeks to address various issues within the program and make improvements to better serve veterans.

One key aspect of the bill is to streamline the process for veterans to access care through the Community Care Program. This includes improving the coordination between the VA and community providers, as well as ensuring timely and efficient access to care for veterans. The bill also aims to enhance the quality of care provided to veterans by establishing standards for community providers and implementing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the care they deliver.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to expand the types of services available to veterans through the Community Care Program. This includes mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other specialized care that may not be readily available within the VA system. The bill also seeks to improve access to telehealth services for veterans, allowing them to receive care remotely when necessary. Overall, Bill 119 s 275 is focused on improving the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program in order to better meet the needs of veterans and ensure they receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Congressional Summary of S 275

Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters.

Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill

establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP,
requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and
extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers.

The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by

establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders,
tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and
establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner.

Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 275

Bill S 275 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 28, 2025. Bill S 275 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 28, 2025. Bill S 275's most recent activity was Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. as of July 30, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 275

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 275

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 275

A bill to improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Comments

Amiyah Archer

503

11 months ago

I don't like this bill, it's gonna mess things up for us veterans. They say it's gonna improve care, but who knows what that really means. I'm not sure about this, but it doesn't sound good to me. #veteransdeservebetter