Pappas Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Care
Yesterday Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) introduced the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act. This bipartisan legislation will improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appointment scheduling process to ensure veterans can more easily schedule and manage their medical care, including primary care, mental health services, and specialty appointments.
Currently, veterans often have to coordinate appointments across multiple VA clinics and services, which can require several phone calls and separate scheduling steps. The Improving Veterans Access to Care Act directs the VA to create a plan to streamline scheduling systems, improve online self-service platforms, and ensure veterans can schedule appointments through a phone call if they choose. The bill also requires VA to report progress and implement system improvements on a clear timeline.
“For veterans trying to make health care appointments at VA, and especially for those in rural areas who have to travel long distances, the current scheduling system is too burdensome and uncoordinated. Creating a one-stop scheduling platform at VA will help veterans make appointments that work for them, saving their time and money and improving access to care,” said Congressman Pappas. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help deliver veterans the quality care that they have earned and deserve.”
“Veterans deserve a clear, straightforward pathway for receiving the care they need,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “As we honor Veterans Day this week, we can ensure that every veteran has access to the care they’ve earned without delay, confusion, or frustration. This bipartisan bill will make it easier for veterans to schedule appointments by streamlining systems and providing clearer, more user-friendly options. Our veterans served our country, now it’s our responsibility to ensure their care is delivered efficiently and effectively.”
This bill is the House companion to the bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Boozman (R-AR).
Veterans service organizations strongly support this bill:
“Veterans seeking care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities deserve to have the most efficient, streamlined scheduling process available. By requiring a plan to make scheduling appointments easier, the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act aims to do just that. DAV applauds Rep. Pappas for introducing this critical legislation that focuses on timely delivery of care, enhanced access, improved customer experience and greater efficiency, as it will help ensure our veterans receive the high-quality, accessible care they have earned and urgently need,” said Joy Ilem, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
“Creating a single, transparent scheduling system across VA facilities is long overdue. The Improving Veteran Access to Care Act reflects a pragmatic, bipartisan solution to a long-standing access challenge. Veterans should not have to navigate multiple systems just to see a doctor — and this bipartisan bill moves us closer to a modern VA that meets the needs of those it serves”, said Maj. Gen. April Vogel, USAF (Ret), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Vice President of Government Relations.
The legislation is also supported by the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
The bill would:
Require VA to create a unified scheduling improvement plan and timeline;
Improve both online and phone-based systems for appointment scheduling;
Ensure veterans can schedule, cancel, or reschedule appointments more easily;
Require regular reporting to Congress to ensure accountability and progress.
Ensure improvements are compatible with ongoing Electronic Health Record modernization efforts.