Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2025
Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Veterans' True Choice Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Veterans' True Choice Act would allow certain veterans to choose TRICARE Select—the Department of Defense's health insurance program—instead of using Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. Currently, these veterans typically can only use VA benefits. The bill would require the VA to pay the Department of Defense for the costs of covering eligible veterans under TRICARE.
However, veterans choosing this option couldn't use both DOD and VA medical care at the same time—they'd have to pick one. **Who It Affects:** This bill specifically targets six groups of veterans: those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those medically discharged from service, and those receiving disability compensation. These are generally veterans with significant service-related injuries or experiences. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 244) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative W. Gregory Steube (R-FL) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Veterans' True Choice Act of 2025This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program.A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.