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S275119th CongressWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Senator Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

In Committee

Summary

Establishes standardized, age‑agnostic access rules so veterans can get community and residential care faster and more predictably. The bill would set clear drive‑time and wait‑time thresholds, speed admissions and appeals for mental health residential programs, and create pilots and self‑service tools to improve access and oversight.

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  • Veterans and families would get written notice of eligibility within two business days and periodic reminders. They would also be informed when telehealth is available and appropriate.
  • Veterans seeking residential mental health or substance use care would be screened within 48 hours and, if eligible for priority admission, admitted within 48 hours or offered an accredited non‑VA placement that can meet the timeline.
  • VA and non‑VA providers would face new tracking, quality, and reporting rules. The bill would require real‑time access data, mandatory staff training, pilot evaluations, and a Comptroller General review within two years to assess wait times and appeals.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster residential mental health care

If enacted, the VA would have to screen veterans for covered residential mental health and addiction programs within 48 hours of a request. Veterans who qualify for priority care would have to be admitted within 48 hours of that determination. If the VA cannot meet those timelines, the VA would offer an accredited non-VA facility and must provide or reimburse needed transportation. The VA would also create a national appeals process with 72-hour responses and track quality and timeliness metrics.

Easier outpatient mental health pilot

If enacted, the VA Center for Innovation would run a three-year pilot at at least five sites letting enrolled veterans get outpatient mental health and substance use care without a referral or pre-authorization. The pilot must prioritize varied site types (urban, rural, high-need areas), set up care coordination and safety metrics, and report yearly to Congress. Separately, the VA would build an online self-service tool (plan due 180 days after enactment) to request appointments, track referrals, and appeal denials. The VA must show a budget line for these operations and the Comptroller General must report within 18 months.

New community care access standards

If enacted, the VA would set clear triggers for when veterans can elect community care. For primary, mental, and extended care the rule would be an average 30-minute drive or a wait of 20 days. For specialty care the rule would be a 60-minute drive or a wait of 28 days. Telehealth would not count toward these thresholds, and any veteran agreement to a longer drive or later date must be recorded in the electronic health record and a copy provided.

Faster eligibility notices and appeals

If enacted, the VA would have to notify covered veterans in writing within two business days when they are eligible for community care and must send denial notices within two business days that explain why and how to appeal. Notices may be electronic. The VA would also be required to tell veterans about telehealth options when appropriate.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

KS • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 1/29/2025

  • Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 2/3/2025

  • Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 2/3/2025

  • Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

    SD • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 4/30/2025

  • Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2025

  • Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 9/9/2025

  • Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 9/16/2025

  • Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]

    UT • R

    Sponsored 3/9/2026

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 4/14/2026

  • Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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