Pasco Reporter

Congressman Gus Bilirakis has co-sponsored a legislative initiative aimed at enhancing access to healthcare for veterans. This legislation, introduced by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran, seeks to expand the role of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers in community settings.

The proposed Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 aims to establish current community care access standards as the baseline for veterans seeking medical assistance outside VA facilities. The act also intends to increase access to vital treatment programs for veterans dealing with mental health issues or addiction. Additionally, it plans to broaden the criteria considered by the VA when determining if a veteran should be referred for community-based care, taking into account factors like veteran preference and continuity of care.

"When I’ve met with Veterans throughout my district, they have consistently shared horror stories about the many barriers they have too often faced when seeking treatment through the community care program," stated Congressman Bilirakis. "This important legislation will help remove those barriers and ensure that Veterans have access to the high quality care they’ve earned and deserved."

The introduction of this act follows recent congressional hearings where veterans, their families, and advocates highlighted significant delays and restrictions in accessing community care referrals. These challenges have particularly affected veterans with mental health conditions or addictions that heighten their risk of suicide.

The Veterans’ ACCESS Act has garnered support from numerous veterans service organizations and advocacy groups. Among these are Wounded Warrior Project, The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), among others.