Rep. Cisneros Introduces Bipartisan Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act to Address Lapses in VA Healthcare

January 24, 2025
Press Release
Washington, DC – Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31) joined Young Kim (CA-40), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) to introduce the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act, a bipartisan bill to allow service members to pre-enroll in Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) patient enrollment. You can read the bill HERE.
“As a veteran, I know firsthand the challenges that servicemembers and their families face when they leave military service and begin to reintegrate into civilian life,” said Congressman Cisneros. “The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act helps ensure that our veterans can receive the vital healthcare and benefits they have earned once they transition back into our communities. The way we can honor the service of our nation’s military retirees and their families is by focusing the necessary attention on this crucial period in their lives and address gaps of care when a servicemember transitions.” 
Currently, members of the armed forces cannot apply for VA healthcare after they are discharged from the military until they receive their official separation documents. The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act would:
  • Create a three-year pilot program allowing eligible members to opt-in to VA healthcare during the 180-day period before their date of separation; and,
  • Require the VA to report to Congress annually on the program and pre-enrolled members.
Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and previously served in the 116th Congress. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
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