Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5946

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Last Updated

2026-06-09T08:06:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 5946: Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill establishes a special postage stamp to raise voluntary contributions from the public. The funds would help reduce unpaid medical bills for veterans related to hospital care, medical services, and extended care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including through its Community Care Program.

Key Provisions Outlined

• The United States Postal Service must create and sell a "Veterans Medical Debt Relief Stamp" each year in time for Veterans Day.
• Sales of the stamp follow existing rules for special stamps, with these adjustments:
• All proceeds transfer directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The stamp design is chosen by the Postal Service.
• There is no limit on the number of stamps that can be issued.
• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must distribute the received funds to specific VA offices, such as the Veterans Health Administration, Debt Management Center, Financial Service Center, and VHA Revenue Operations.
• The funds are used only to cover veteran medical debts from unresolved copayments and coinsurance charges for VA and Community Care Program services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

• The bill modifies section 416 of title 39, United States Code, by directing all stamp proceeds to the VA instead of other uses.
• It removes the standard numerical limit on stamp production for this specific stamp.
• It requires annual issuance tied to Veterans Day and specifies the exact use of funds for VA medical debt relief.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The VA would receive additional funds to address medical debts, potentially reducing outstanding balances in its billing systems. The Postal Service would handle design, production, and sales under modified rules.
• Citizens: Members of the public could contribute small amounts by purchasing the stamp when mailing items, providing a simple way to support veteran debt relief.
• International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans who have unpaid medical copayments or coinsurance from VA services.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs and its listed offices responsible for debt management.
• The United States Postal Service, which must issue and sell the stamp.
• The general public who may purchase the stamp.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The legislation builds on existing authority for special postage stamps as a fundraising tool, creating a targeted exception for veteran medical debt.
• It involves no new taxes or mandatory payments, relying instead on voluntary stamp purchases.
• The bill was introduced by two members of the House and referred to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Veterans' Affairs for review.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
• 2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-11-07: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (3 pages)