H.R. 6494 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Dec 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryImproves health insurance access in U.S. territories
This bill makes several changes to how health insurance works for people in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. It removes spending limits on Medicaid in these territories starting in 2026, protects people who lived in Puerto Rico from certain Medicare penalties if they sign up for coverage within five years, and sets standards for how Medicare Advantage plans pay providers in territorial areas. It also lets residents of U.S. territories who can't get insurance through work or regular exchanges buy coverage similar to what members of Congress get.
How it affects you
If you live in a U.S. territory, this bill could expand your access to Medicaid and Medicare coverage. People in territories who previously couldn't get employer or exchange-based insurance now have another option. The changes are specifically designed to address health insurance gaps that currently exist in these areas, though the full real-world impact would depend on how the changes are implemented.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Dec 5, 2025)
Territories Health Equity Act of 2025
This bill alters provisions relating to the treatment of U.S. territories under Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage.
For example, the bill
• eliminates Medicaid funding limitations for U.S. territories beginning in FY2026,
• exempts an individual from late-enrollment penalties for Medicare medical services if the individual resided in Puerto Rico as of the date of eligibility and the individual enrolls within five years of such date, and
• establishes minimum criteria for certain elements used in Medicare Advantage payment calculations for areas within U.S. territories.
The bill also allows residents of U.S. territories who are unable to obtain health insurance through their employer or a health insurance exchange to instead obtain coverage that is at least as broad as the coverage available to Members of Congress and their staff through the District of Columbia exchange.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 6494
A BILL
Territories Health Equity Act of 2025
Sponsor: Del. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI-At Large) · Introduced Dec 5, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Dec 5, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”