To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand access to the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include certain veterans seeking mental health or substance-use services, and for other purposes.

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

2026-05-12

The bill would allow more veterans to use the VA's community care program to get mental health and substance abuse treatment from private doctors and clinics instead of only VA facilities. This expansion would give veterans more options for where they receive care and could reduce wait times by letting them see non-VA providers when VA services aren't readily available. The change primarily affects veterans struggling with mental health issues or addiction who currently have limited access to timely treatment through the VA system.