Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.219 - Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 219, the "Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025," directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on menopause care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The study will assess the adequacy, quality, and accessibility of menopause care for veterans. The bill also requires the VA to develop a strategic plan to implement the Comptroller General's recommendations.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to improve the healthcare services provided to women veterans experiencing perimenopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and menopause. This will be achieved through a comprehensive study and subsequent strategic plan. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality and accessibility of menopause care within the VA system.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved Healthcare Access: The bill seeks to improve access to specialized menopause care for women veterans.
  • Enhanced Quality of Care: The study and subsequent strategic plan aim to improve the quality of menopause care provided by the VA.
  • Increased Awareness: The bill mandates a review of educational initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available menopause care options.
  • Better Training for Medical Providers: The bill includes a review of training guidelines for VA medical providers regarding menopause care.
  • Data-Driven Improvements: The Comptroller General's study will provide data to inform improvements in menopause care.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential Costs: Conducting the study and implementing the strategic plan may incur costs for the government.
  • Delayed Impact: The benefits of the bill may not be realized until after the study is completed and the strategic plan is implemented, which could take several years.
  • Bureaucratic Hurdles: The implementation of the strategic plan may face bureaucratic challenges within the VA.
  • Limited Scope: The bill focuses specifically on menopause care and may not address other healthcare needs of women veterans.
  • Possible Inefficiencies: The study may identify inefficiencies in the VA system, but addressing them may require further legislative action.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare services for veterans. Congress has the power to legislate for the common defense and general welfare, which includes providing medical care to those who have served in the military. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).