This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code, to assign the highest priority status for hospital care and medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who are former prisoners of war. It specifically modifies Section 1705(a) to include former POWs in the top enrollment priority group for VA health care, ensuring they receive preferential access to services. Additionally, the legislation amends Section 1710B(c)(2)(D) to extend this highest priority to extended care services for these veterans. These provisions are designed to apply broadly to all veterans who are former prisoners of war, regardless of whether their captivity occurred before, on, or after the bill's enactment, thereby ensuring comprehensive and immediate access to necessary care.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Armed Forces and National Security
POW Priority Care Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5539| House
| Updated: 10/15/2025
This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code, to assign the highest priority status for hospital care and medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who are former prisoners of war. It specifically modifies Section 1705(a) to include former POWs in the top enrollment priority group for VA health care, ensuring they receive preferential access to services. Additionally, the legislation amends Section 1710B(c)(2)(D) to extend this highest priority to extended care services for these veterans. These provisions are designed to apply broadly to all veterans who are former prisoners of war, regardless of whether their captivity occurred before, on, or after the bill's enactment, thereby ensuring comprehensive and immediate access to necessary care.