Veterans (Seniors)

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025 This bill expands the membership of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Veterans Health Administration by requiring the addition of one representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes who holds a professional license in nursing home administration. Additionally, the committee must consult with the National Association of Veterans State Homes with respect to matters concerning the association.

HR 6649, the Fit Vets Act, establishes a 3-year pilot program allowing eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare to access senior fitness programs like SilverSneakers. It directly affects veterans meeting VA enrollment criteria under 38 U.S.C. §1705 who qualify for the program. The VA will provide this fitness access as part of healthcare services, with the program running nationally or regionally at the VA's discretion. After the pilot, the VA must report participation rates, costs, health outcome analysis, and recommendations on making the program permanent.

HR 668 establishes a 3-year pilot program to coordinate healthcare between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare for veterans enrolled in both systems (called "covered veterans"). It assigns each participating veteran a VA case manager to create personalized care plans, navigate VA and Medicare services, and coordinate medical records to improve access, outcomes, and cost efficiency. The program tracks specific metrics like care costs, patient satisfaction, and service gaps, and requires quarterly reports to Congress on its implementation and results. The pilot will operate across 3-5 VA facilities in diverse settings (rural, urban, medically underserved areas) to test coordination models before potentially expanding the approach.