The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act — also known as the ACCESS Act — would enable patients for the first time to schedule their own appointments through online portals, track their referrals for private community-based care and manage appeals when non-VA care is denied. (Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees said they will push for passage of legislation to expand veterans’ access to private medical care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs when Congress reconvenes next month.
The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act — also known as the ACCESS Act — would enable patients for the first time to schedule their own appointments through online portals, track their referrals for private community-based care and manage appeals when non-VA care is denied.
Supporters of the bill have said the changes will speed up the VA’s process for determining whether veterans can see private doctors in their communities in lieu of extended wait times or traveling a long distance to obtain the same care at a VA hospital or clinic.
The ACCESS Act is sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Final votes are pending in the House and Senate after the bill advanced from veterans’ affairs committees in both chambers at the end of July.
“Community care is VA care. This bill would not privatize VA,” Bost said in response to criticism from some Democratic lawmakers that strengthening coverage for veterans’ private medical services will erode demand and services within the VA care network.
VA spending on private care has doubled in five years — from $17.6 billion in 2021 to $34 billion slated for 2026, according to VA figures.
The ACCESS Act would require the VA to inform veterans of their option for private care from clinicians registered with the VA system. Veterans are entitled to seek private medical care when the same treatment is not readily available close to home.
“Veterans repeatedly tell us, ‘I heard about community care months after trying to get an appointment.’ Or worse, ‘I never knew.’ The stories go on. Veterans are either delayed care or left without care,” Bost said.
The legislation also requires the VA to provide clear explanations if referrals — or pre-approvals — from a VA doctor are denied. Without pre-authorization, VA will not approve or pay for the non-VA community care. Exceptions are made for urgent care and emergency situations, the VA said.
Under the ACCESS Act, a three-year pilot program also would be established for granting veterans direct access to outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatments through private health care clinics. The legislation would allow veterans to bypass the VA’s pre-approval process.
“No veteran – especially one facing cancer, addiction, chronic pain or a mental health condition – should have to wait weeks or months for the care they need or have to fight to receive the community care referrals they are entitled to by law,” Moran said when he introduced the legislation in January.
Adoption of the Mission Act in 2018 enabled veterans for the first time to become eligible for community-based private care.
“But many VA facilities have failed to comply with both the letter and the intent of the Mission Act by attempting to ensure veterans only use VA facilities for their care,” according to Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a conservative political advocacy organization.
The foundation has accused the VA of “exploiting loopholes” to avoid authorizing veterans to receive private non-VA care “guaranteed to them under the Mission Act.”
The ACCESS Act has received broad support from veterans service organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Disabled American Veterans.
