HR 149119th CongressIn Committee

Lead by Example Act of 2025

Introduced: Jan 3, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

Lead by Example Act of 2025 is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress that would require Members of Congress and their staffs to obtain their health care exclusively through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) starting January 3, 2027. This means they would receive care at VA facilities or through VA-authorized non-Department facilities, as if they were veterans, rather than through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) or health care exchanges. The act directs VA and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to jointly develop an implementation plan by September 15, 2025, outlining steps and any legislative changes needed to carry out the change. The definition section clarifies who is covered and what “non-Department facility” means for purposes of the bill. The bill is introduced by Mr. Davidson and referred to committees; it uses a “notwithstanding” clause to preempt existing health benefits rules for the covered group, signaling a major shift in how health care for lawmakers and their staff would be administered and financed.

Key Points

1Starting January 3, 2027, Members of Congress and Congressional staff must obtain their health care exclusively through the Department of Veterans Affairs, treated as if they were veterans.
2Coverage may include VA facilities and non-Department facilities authorized under VA authorities (e.g., as permitted by chapter 17 of title 38, U.S. Code, and related provisions).
3The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management must submit, by September 15, 2025, a plan to implement the transition, including recommendations for any needed legislative actions.
4The bill uses a “notwithstanding any other provision of law” clause, meaning it would supersede existing laws governing FEHBP and health exchanges for the covered individuals.
5Definitions clarify who is covered (Members of Congress, their staff as defined by 5 U.S.C. 2107(1), and non-Department facilities defined under 38 U.S.C. 1701).

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Members of Congress and Congressional staff would switch from FEHBP/health exchanges to VA health care, altering their access, network arrangements, and potential costs borne by the federal government.Secondary group/area affected: The VA health care system (in terms of demand, capacity, and funding needs) and the Office of Personnel Management (administrative and policy coordination). There could be budgetary and logistical implications for VA and for federal employee health program administration.Additional impacts:- Administrative and legal: Possible need for new authorities or legislative changes to enable VA to furnish care to non-veterans and to manage billing, referrals, and outside-network care.- Access and quality: Potential changes in wait times, provider networks, and geographic access for covered individuals, depending on how VA expands services and non-Department facilities participate.- Policy implications: The bill positions Members and staff as beneficiaries under VA-like care, which could influence broader debates about veterans’ benefits, federal employee benefits, and health care access.

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