Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

This bill establishes specific eligibility standards for veterans to access community care through the Veterans Community Care Program, requiring the VA to provide care within defined timeframes (20 days for primary care, 28 days for specialty care) if VA facilities cannot schedule appointments within specified driving times (30 minutes for primary care, 60 minutes for specialty care). It requires the VA to notify veterans of eligibility, provide explanations for denials, discuss telehealth options, and document veteran preferences for scheduling appointments. The bill also mandates the VA to publish wait times for care at medical centers, develop a strategic plan for transitioning to value-based healthcare, and implement an online self-service module for veterans to manage appointments and appeals. These provisions aim to improve access, transparency, and efficiency of healthcare services for veterans through the Veterans Community Care Program.