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Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025
4/1/2025, 8:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 683
The purpose of this pilot program is to streamline the process for transitioning service members to receive healthcare through the VA once they leave the military. By allowing these individuals to pre-enroll in the VA's patient enrollment system before they separate from the military, it is hoped that they will have a smoother and more efficient transition to receiving the healthcare services they need.
The bill does not specify which members of the Armed Forces would be eligible to participate in this pilot program, but it is likely that it would target those who are nearing the end of their service and are preparing to transition to civilian life. The program would be implemented on a trial basis to assess its effectiveness in improving access to healthcare for veterans. Overall, the Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act seeks to address the challenges that many veterans face in accessing healthcare services through the VA by providing a more seamless transition process for those leaving the military.
Congressional Summary of HR 683
Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to carry out all activities necessary to permit certain members of the Armed Forces to elect to enroll in the VA health care system on the date of separation of such members from active service. Specifically, the program is for those who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998.
The VA must, in conjunction with the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security, establish a mechanism to permit a member of the Armed Forces to elect to pre-enroll in the VA health care system during the 180-day period preceding the date of separation of the member from active service.
The VA-DOD Joint Executive Committee must brief Congress on the efforts to implement such a mechanism under the program.
The Government Accountability Office must report on the program and include recommendations with respect to methods to improve the program.
