Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-1) have introduced the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act, a bipartisan bill designed to enhance how veterans schedule appointments with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation aims to simplify and modernize the appointment process for primary care, mental health services, and specialty care.
Currently, veterans must often coordinate appointments across several VA clinics and services, which can involve multiple phone calls and separate scheduling steps. The proposed bill directs the VA to develop a plan that streamlines these systems. It would also improve online self-service platforms while ensuring that veterans can continue to make appointments by phone if they prefer. Additionally, the act requires regular progress reports from the VA and sets a clear timeline for implementing system improvements.
The House version of this legislation is co-sponsored by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and serves as a companion to a similar bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Boozman (R-AR).
“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.”
Congressman Pappas stated: “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. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help deliver veterans the quality care that they have earned and deserve.”
Rep. Kiggans added: “When it comes to delivering quality care to our veterans—accessibility and consistency is crucial. The men and women who served our country shouldn’t be burdened by outdated systems in order to receive vital care from a medical specialist. I’m proud to join Rep. Mackenzie (PA-07) on this landmark legislation to streamline the scheduling apparatus at the VA and deliver a more user-friendly and effective process for our veterans.”
Several major veterans service organizations 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. Mackenzie 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.” —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.” — Maj. Gen. April Vogel USAF (Ret), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Vice President of Government Relations
The American Legion; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Veterans of Foreign Wars are also among supporters.
Key provisions in the bill require development of unified plans for improving both online portals as well as phone-based appointment systems so that scheduling becomes easier overall for all users regardless of preferred method or location—including those in rural areas who may face additional challenges reaching healthcare providers.
The act further mandates regular reporting from VA officials back to Congress on implementation progress and ensures any changes are compatible with ongoing Electronic Health Record modernization projects.
Issues regarding service scheduling were highlighted during an event with local veterans attended by Congressman Mackenzie; following these concerns he worked alongside colleagues on potential solutions leading up to introduction of this new legislative effort.
