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HR 5539119th CongressIn Committee
POW Priority Care Act of 2025
Introduced: Sep 19, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5] (R-Michigan)
Veterans Affairs
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The POW Priority Care Act of 2025 would codify the highest enrollment and care priority in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system for veterans who are former prisoners of war (POWs). Specifically, it amends title 38 U.S.C. to ensure former POWs are granted the top enrollment priority for VA hospital care and medical services, and to place POWs at the highest level of priority for extended care services. The law would apply to former POWs regardless of whether they were POWs before, on, or after the date of enactment. In short, the bill seeks to guarantee former POWs the quickest possible access within VA health care, including hospital care, medical services, and extended/long-term care.
Key Points
- 1Creates the highest enrollment priority for former prisoners of war within VA health care, ensuring they are treated with top access when enrolling for care.
- 2Establishes the highest priority status for hospital care and medical services for former POWs, elevating their position within VA scheduling and access.
- 3Amends enrollment provisions (38 U.S.C. 1705(a)) to explicitly include former POWs as part of the group that receives top enrollment consideration.
- 4Amends extended care provisions (38 U.S.C. 1710B(c)(2)(D)) to insert former POWs among those designated for the highest priority in extended care services.
- 5Applies the changes to former POWs regardless of when they became veterans or POWs (retroactive to enactment date).
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: Veterans who are former prisoners of war, within VA health care enrollment, hospital care, medical services, and extended care.Secondary group/area affected: The broader veteran population, including VA health care facilities, enrollment offices, and providers, which may experience changes in scheduling priorities for POWs relative to other groups.Additional impacts: Potential fiscal and administrative implications for VA to implement and manage the higher-priority status; possible effects on wait times and access patterns for POWs; no funding or cost figures are provided in the text of the bill.
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