Whole Health for Veterans Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6848
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-17T08:07:11Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Whole Health for Veterans Act" (H.R. 6848) aims to make Whole Health well-being services more accessible and affordable for veterans by limiting or eliminating copayments (out-of-pocket fees) required by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It promotes proactive health and wellness programs that empower veterans to manage their own well-being, building on the VA's existing Whole Health initiative.
Key Provisions
- Sense of Congress: Expresses support for expanding the VA's Whole Health program, which helps veterans improve their health through education and self-care. It notes that veterans in priority groups 1 through 5 (higher-priority categories based on service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors) are already exempt from copayments under current policy, and urges affordable access for all veterans.
- Copayment Limitations (new section 1730D added to title 38, U.S. Code):
- Veterans cannot be required to pay copayments for Whole Health well-being services, except where explicitly allowed.
- A monthly copayment of up to $30 may be charged for these services, but only for veterans outside priority groups 1 through 5.
- No copayments for veterans in priority groups 1 through 5.
- Definition of Whole Health Well-Being Services:
- Educational and skill-building activities, such as coaching, partner sessions, and courses on Whole Health principles.
- Complementary and integrative health approaches focused on general well-being (not tied to specific medical conditions), including guided imagery, meditation, Tai Chi/Qigong, and yoga.
- Clerical Update: Adds the new section to the table of contents in chapter 17 of title 38, U.S. Code.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Overrides parts of current VA copayment rules (sections 1710(f) and (g), and 1722A(a) of title 38, U.S. Code) that might otherwise require fees for these services.
- Introduces a uniform $30 monthly cap on copayments for eligible services, providing a new exemption structure based on enrollment priority groups (defined under section 1705(a), which categorizes veterans by need and eligibility).
- Shifts focus from condition-specific treatment to preventive, holistic well-being services, expanding free or low-cost access beyond the highest-priority veterans.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA may see increased program participation and administrative costs due to reduced copayment revenue, but it aligns with congressional encouragement to grow the Whole Health initiative. No direct impact on other agencies.
- On Citizens: Veterans, especially those in lower-priority groups (6 and below), gain more affordable access to wellness services, potentially improving overall health outcomes and reducing reliance on traditional medical care. Non-veterans are unaffected.
- On International Relations: None; this is a domestic veterans' benefits measure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, with expanded low- or no-cost options for health education and integrative practices to support self-care.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementing the changes, including updating policies, enrollment systems, and service delivery to ensure compliance.
- Congressional Committees: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (where the bill was referred) oversees enforcement and potential future expansions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens veterans' benefits under title 38 by prioritizing preventive health, potentially reducing future healthcare costs through early wellness interventions. It does not alter core eligibility rules but refines copayment authority, which could face challenges if interpreted as limiting VA flexibility in fee-setting.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it falls within Congress's authority to regulate veterans' affairs and benefits (Article I, Section 8).
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for veteran wellness programs, emphasizing affordability and empowerment without mandating broad spending increases. It may encourage similar expansions in VA holistic care amid growing focus on mental and preventive health post-service.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-29: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Whole Health for Veterans Act — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (4 pages)