Summary of HR 1860: Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act

Purpose and Intent

The Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act (HR 1860) aims to enhance cancer care for women veterans by establishing Regional Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinators within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This initiative seeks to improve the navigation of cancer care services for eligible veterans, particularly as the population of women veterans continues to grow and face increasing cancer rates.

Key Provisions

1. Establishment of Coordinators:

   • The bill mandates the creation of Regional Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinators across each Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN).
   • These coordinators will serve as dedicated points of contact to assist women veterans in managing their cancer care, ensuring they receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey.

2. Expansion of Existing Programs:

   • The act builds upon the existing Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence, which was initiated by the VA to provide specialized care for women veterans diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers.
   • Coordinators will help veterans navigate various aspects of care, including accessing medical records, coordinating with community providers, and managing travel expenses related to treatment.

3. Extension of Pension Payment Limits:

   • The bill includes a provision to extend certain limits on pension payments for veterans without dependents, ensuring funding for the implementation of the new coordinators.

Background and Need for Legislation

• The proportion of women veterans has increased from 6.3% to 11.3% of the total veteran population from 2000 to 2023, equating to approximately 2.1 million women veterans.
• As these veterans age, the incidence of cancer rises, with the average age of diagnosis for breast cancer being 58 and 55 for gynecologic cancers.
• The Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence has identified over 7,187 cases of breast and gynecologic cancers among women veterans between January 2021 and March 2024, highlighting the urgent need for improved care coordination.

Impact

• Who Will Be Affected: The bill primarily impacts women veterans diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers, providing them with dedicated support to navigate their healthcare needs.
• Healthcare Providers: The bill will also affect healthcare professionals within the VA system, as they will collaborate with the newly appointed coordinators to ensure comprehensive care for veterans.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: March 5, 2025
• House Actions:
  • Passed by voice vote on September 15, 2025.
  • Reported by the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on July 29, 2025.
• Senate Actions: Received in the Senate on September 16, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Conclusion

The Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act represents a significant step towards improving cancer care for women veterans by establishing dedicated coordinators to assist in navigating complex healthcare systems. This legislation addresses a critical need for enhanced support as the population of women veterans continues to grow and face increasing health challenges.