Bill > HR149

This bill, called the "Lead by Example Act of 2025", proposes a significant change to healthcare coverage for Members of Congress and Congressional staff, mandating that starting January 3, 2027, they will receive healthcare exclusively through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) instead of their current Federal Health Benefits Program or health care exchanges. The bill requires the VA Secretary and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to jointly submit an implementation plan to Congress by September 15, 2025, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions. The legislation defines "Congressional staff" as employees under a specific section of federal law and "Members of Congress" to include Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. Notably, these Members and staff would receive VA healthcare as if they were veterans, accessing care through VA facilities and non-VA facilities authorized under existing veterans' healthcare laws. This approach appears designed to have lawmakers and their staff directly experience the same healthcare system provided to military veterans, potentially encouraging improvements in veterans' healthcare services.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/149/all-info