WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGNS) - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are teaming up across party lines to make it easier for female veterans to get the health care they need. Their new bipartisan bill — the Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act — would permanently eliminate the requirement for women to get a referral from a VA primary care provider before scheduling appointments for gynecology, obstetrics, maternity, or postpartum care.

“Female veterans are one of the fastest-growing populations served by the VA,” said Senator Blackburn. “We need to do everything in our power to ensure they receive the care they have earned in a timely manner.”

Senator Hassan echoed that urgency, calling the current referral process “needlessly time-consuming.” She said the bill is a commonsense fix that will help women veterans get the care they deserve without jumping through unnecessary hoops.

The push to codify this change follows a December 2025 policy shift by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which began allowing women veterans to directly schedule appointments with VA gynecology specialists — no referral needed. But that change isn’t permanent yet, and Blackburn and Hassan want to make sure it sticks.

Under the proposed legislation, any eligible veteran would be able to directly schedule women’s specialty care appointments at VA medical centers and clinics, using any available method — phone, online, or in person. The bill also prohibits any additional approval or screening requirements and preserves existing eligibility and community care standards.

Advocates say the change could be especially important for time-sensitive care like maternity and postpartum services, where delays can have serious consequences. By removing administrative barriers, the bill aims to streamline access and reduce stress for women navigating the VA system.

With bipartisan support and growing awareness of the unique needs of female veterans, the Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act could mark a meaningful step toward more responsive and equitable care. Will Congress move quickly to pass it? That’s the next chapter in this story.