December 11, 2025
Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia (for herself, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Panetta, and Mr. Bacon) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program on providing access to a senior exercise program for enrolled veterans, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Fit Vets Act
.
Sec. 2. Pilot program on access to senior exercise program for enrolled veterans
(a) Establishment
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to provide to eligible veterans described in subsection (b) access to the health and fitness program referred to as SilverSneakers
, or another evidence-based senior exercise program the Secretary determines comparable to such program, as part of the health care furnished under the laws administered by the Secretary.
(b) Eligible veterans
An eligible veteran described in this subsection is a veteran—
(1)
enrolled in the patient enrollment system under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code; and
(2)
who satisfies the criteria for participation in the pilot program under subsection (a), as established by the Secretary in regulations.
(c) Scope
The Secretary may carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) on a national or regional basis, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(d) Termination
The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the establishment of the pilot program.
(e) Report
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program terminates under subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing the following:
(1)
The rates of participation in such pilot program by covered veterans.
(2)
The costs of such pilot program.
(3)
An analysis of the effect of such pilot program on the health outcomes of participants, including with respect to physical fitness and chronic disease management.
(4)
Recommendations by the Secretary on whether to make such pilot program permanent.