Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB385

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Specifically, the VA must review such coverage amount every five years, taking into account the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased in the five fiscal years preceding the review.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create a structured process for the assessment of insurance coverage for servicemembers, allowing adjustments based on economic changes over time. The bill aims to enhance the financial security and protection that these insurance programs provide to veterans and their families, reflecting an acknowledgment of the increasing costs of living and potential shifts in economic conditions. By formally linking coverage amounts to the Consumer Price Index, the law would safeguard veterans against inflation's erosion of their insurance value.

Summary

SB385, titled the 'Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025', proposes amendments to title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that automatic maximum coverage under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs is periodically reviewed. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conducts a review every five years, beginning January 1, 2026, to compare the current coverage amounts with changes in the Consumer Price Index, aiming to maintain a fair level of insurance coverage for service members and veterans as financial circumstances evolve.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on benefitting servicemembers and their families, it could prompt discussions regarding the adequacy of the existing coverage limits and whether they sufficiently meet the needs of veterans facing modern financial challenges. Some may argue that the prescribed review frequency might be insufficient to adapt to rapid changes in economic circumstances. Additionally, the reliance on the Consumer Price Index as a benchmark could also be debated, with suggestions that alternative measures or metrics might be more appropriate to reflect veterans' real-world financial challenges.

Congress_id

119-S-385

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-02-04

Companion Bills

US HB970

Identical bill Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Specifically, the VA must review such coverage amount every five years, taking into account the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased in the five fiscal years preceding the review.

Previously Filed As

US HB2911

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2024

US SB1299

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2024

US HB6350

Veteran and Servicemember Consumer Protection Act

US HB2441

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023

US SB1028

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023

US HB6800

Department of Veterans Affairs Therapeutic Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act

US SB5624

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling appointments for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB5794

Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2023

US HB410

Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act or the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act This bill provides statutory authority for requirements for hospitals and health insurance plans to disclose certain information about the costs for items and services. Specifically, hospitals must publish in their list of standard charges certain rates negotiated with insurers, discounts for cash payments, and billing codes. Further, hospitals generally must publish the standard charges for the services provided by the hospital that may be scheduled in advance. Additionally, insurance plans must publish the in-network and out-of-network charges for covered items and services and the negotiated prices for covered prescription drugs. Plans must provide a tool for consumers to search for this cost information. Consumers also may request additional information about the costs of specific items or services under their plans.

US HR446

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, the denial of full participation in their Government through statehood by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.