Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025

The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a program allowing certain military members to sign up for VA health care before they separate from active service. Specifically, this would apply to service members who served on active duty in combat operations during wars after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against hostile forces after November 1998.

Under the proposed program, eligible service members would have a 180-day window before their separation date to pre-enroll in VA health care. The VA would work with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to set up the enrollment mechanism. Congress would receive briefings on implementation efforts, and the Government Accountability Office would evaluate the program and recommend improvements.

If enacted, this bill could streamline the transition to VA health care for combat veterans, potentially reducing delays in accessing medical services after leaving the military. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Subcommittee on Health and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.