The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act (S.275/H.R.740) seeks to eliminate delays and bureaucratic barriers that prevent veterans from receiving timely, life-saving medical care. The bill would make existing community care access standards the baseline standard of care for veterans seeking treatment outside the VA, expand access to critical mental health and addiction programs, and require the VA to consider veteran preference and continuity of care when determining referrals. These reforms directly address the long wait times, limited referral options, and administrative obstacles that currently prevent too many veterans, especially those battling cancer, chronic pain, mental health conditions, or addiction, from getting the care they urgently need.

By supporting the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, veterans and advocates can help protect the promise of the VA community care program and preserve the intent of the MISSION Act. This legislation ensures veterans have real choices about when, where, and how to receive their earned health benefits, whether at VA facilities or through trusted community providers. Passing this bill would mean fewer missed treatments, less time spent fighting red tape, and more time focusing on recovery and family. Veterans’ voices are critical in urging lawmakers to act so that no bureaucrat can stand between them and the care they deserve.