ACE Veterans Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5665
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-09T09:06:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act" (H.R. 5665), also known as the "ACE Veterans Act," aims to improve access to contraceptive options for enrolled veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide full-year supplies of certain contraceptives, reducing the need for frequent refills and enhancing convenience in healthcare delivery.
Key Provisions
- Full-Year Supply Option: Veterans enrolled in the VA's annual patient enrollment system (under section 1705 of title 38, U.S. Code) can choose to receive a one-year supply of prescribed contraceptive pills, transdermal patches (skin-applied medications), vaginal rings, or other contraceptive products when prescribed by a VA medical provider.
- Notification Requirement: VA medical providers must inform veterans about the availability of the full-year supply option when prescribing these items.
- Definition of Contraceptive Product: The term includes any drug, device, or biological product approved, cleared, authorized, or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preventing pregnancy or addressing related health needs. This covers items regulated under specific sections of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act.
- Legislative Changes: The bill amends chapter 17 of title 38, U.S. Code, by adding a new section (1720M) and updating the table of contents accordingly.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a new provision (section 1720M) to subchapter II of chapter 17, title 38, U.S. Code, which previously did not explicitly mandate full-year supplies for contraceptives. It builds on existing VA healthcare authority by specifying this option for enrolled veterans, ensuring consistency with broader patient enrollment rules but adding targeted requirements for contraception access.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update prescribing protocols, inventory management, and provider training to implement full-year dispensing, potentially streamlining operations and reducing administrative costs from frequent refills. No direct impact on other agencies is noted.
- On Citizens: Enrolled veterans, particularly women or those requiring contraception for health reasons, will gain easier access to consistent care, potentially improving adherence to treatment and reproductive health outcomes. It does not affect non-veterans or eligibility for VA services.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic VA healthcare policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those enrolled in VA healthcare who use or need contraceptives; enhances their autonomy in managing prescriptions.
- VA Medical Providers and Staff: Required to notify patients and facilitate full-year supplies, affecting daily clinical practices.
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Oversees implementation and ensures compliance across VA facilities.
- VA System Overall: Involved in policy execution, resource allocation, and potential cost adjustments for bulk dispensing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Strengthens VA's role in providing comprehensive healthcare under title 38 by explicitly addressing contraceptive access, aligning with federal standards for FDA-approved products. It may reduce barriers to care without conflicting with existing privacy or consent laws.
- Constitutional Implications: None apparent; the bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate veterans' benefits and does not raise issues related to free speech, religion, or equal protection.
- Political Implications: Promotes equity in veterans' reproductive healthcare, potentially influencing discussions on gender-specific services in federal programs. As an amendment to veterans' law, it could set a precedent for expanding preventive care options in public health systems.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-09-30: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-09-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (3 pages)