(The Center Square) – A nonprofit group wants veterans to weigh in on proposed legislation that could affect medical care choices.
Mission Roll Call, a nonpartisan veteran advocacy group, wants veterans to take a survey about the proposal.
The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 is a bipartisan bill designed to expand and improve access to mental health and substance abuse care for veterans.
The legislation proposes a new pilot program allowing eligible veterans to get outpatient mental health or substance use treatment from non-VA providers – without prior authorization or referral from VA.
The Act requires the VA to clearly explain how community care eligibility decisions are made and to provide transparency around any denials. It mandates improvements in communication about appeals and creates an online portal for veterans to self-schedule appointments and track care across the VA and community networks.
Additionally, the ACCESS Act limits the use of telehealth as a replacement for in-person care in cases where access standards (such as wait times and travel distance) are not being met.
Supporters say the bill empowers veterans to take control of their mental health and expands options, especially in underserved areas.
Critics caution that it could divert resources away from VA infrastructure and lead to fragmented care.
