H.R. 740In markupSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill sets wait-time rules and mental health fast-track for VA outside care
Data as of July 12, 2026
HR 740 sets clear wait-time and travel rules for veterans to access outside care and speeds up mental health admissions.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 740, the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025, sets specific wait-time and travel-distance standards for when veterans can see private doctors instead of VA providers, and requires faster notifications about eligibility, denials, and appeals. It also creates a 48-hour screening process for priority mental health and substance abuse admissions, an online scheduling and appeals tool, and a three-year pilot letting some veterans access mental health care without prior referral.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects veterans who use VA health care, the VA itself, and private/outside health providers who partner with the VA.
Why does it matter?
The changes would restructure how quickly veterans can qualify for outside care and how VA tracks, staffs, and reports on mental health treatment access, with ongoing reporting requirements to Congress.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- January 28, 2025
- Latest action:
- July 23, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.