Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB411

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/20/23  

Caption

Lead by Example Act of 2023 This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2025, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By September 15, 2023, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would not only affect the healthcare coverage of congressional members but could also set a precedent for public servants in using VA benefits. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing the same quality of healthcare services to lawmakers as those extended to veterans. This could foster a closer alignment of legislative health policies with the experiences of those who served in the military and their healthcare challenges, bringing further attention to the quality and accessibility of healthcare services offered by the VA.

Summary

House Bill 411, known as the 'Lead by Example Act of 2023,' seeks to mandate that starting January 3, 2025, the only health care plans available for Members of Congress and their staff will be those provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill proposes a significant shift in the healthcare options currently accessible to lawmakers, as it aims to replace existing Federal Health Benefits Programs and healthcare exchange plans with VA healthcare alternatives. The expected outcomes include a system where Members of Congress and their staff would be treated as veterans regarding their health care provisions.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 411 represents a transformative approach to lawmakers' healthcare, highlighting a commitment to the VA healthcare system. It underscores a wider issue regarding how elected officials engage with and understand the healthcare system and its complexities. As discussions around this bill progress, the implications for both Congress and the veterans’ community will be crucial points of focus.

Contention

There could be notable points of contention surrounding HB 411. Critics may argue that limiting healthcare options could adversely affect Members of Congress and their staff's ability to choose providers or necessary healthcare services based on their specific needs. Proponents, however, may advocate that this is a move towards accountability, showing those who create health policy what it is like to rely on the benefits they design. The tension between preserving choice in healthcare and instituting a simplified, uniform option presents a significant debate element.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB149

Lead by Example Act of 2025This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2027, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).By September 15, 2025, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

US HJR31

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

US HB127

Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.

US HB127

Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.

US HB394

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

US SJR10

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

US HB1572

Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

US HB155

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US SB2144

A bill to improve the safety and security of Members of Congress, immediate family members of Members of Congress, and congressional staff.

US HB562

Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.