H.R.1404 - CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1404, the CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Currently, children are generally eligible until age 18, or up to age 23 if enrolled in higher education. This bill seeks to extend eligibility to age 26, regardless of marital status.
The bill specifically amends section 1781(c) of Title 38 to reflect this change. The amendment ensures that children of qualifying veterans can receive medical care under CHAMPVA until their 26th birthday, aligning it with similar provisions in other healthcare programs, such as the Affordable Care Act.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 18, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to expand healthcare coverage to a larger group of young adults who are dependents of veterans. This would allow more individuals to access medical care through the CHAMPVA program.
This change would likely increase the number of claims processed by CHAMPVA and potentially increase program costs. It could also lead to improved health outcomes for the covered population due to increased access to care.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare for dependents of veterans, specifically those aged 18-26.
- Potential for improved health outcomes for young adults who may not have other affordable healthcare options.
- Alignment of CHAMPVA eligibility with other healthcare programs, such as the Affordable Care Act, simplifying the healthcare landscape for veterans' families.
- Reduced financial burden on young adults and their families by providing healthcare coverage.
- May promote preventative care and early intervention for health issues in this age group.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in costs for the CHAMPVA program, which could strain resources.
- Possible administrative burden to manage the increased number of eligible beneficiaries.
- May not address the underlying issues of healthcare affordability and access for all Americans, focusing solely on a specific population.
- Could create a disparity between benefits offered to dependents of veterans and those offered to other populations.
- Potential for increased wait times or reduced quality of care if the program is not adequately funded to handle the increased demand.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide healthcare benefits to a specific group—dependents of veterans. The enumerated powers of Congress, particularly those related to providing for the military and veterans, support the legislative action.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. The bill does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or other protected rights.
However, the Constitution does not explicitly mandate healthcare provisions, so the alignment is based on the interpretation of the general welfare clause and Congress's authority to support veterans and their families.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).