Health Equity for U.S. Territories

Territories Health Equity Act of 2025This bill alters provisions relating to the treatment of U.S. territories under Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage. For example, the billeliminates 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, andestablishes 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.

1. This bill removes funding limits for Medicaid in U.S. territories starting in 2026. 2. It allows Puerto Rico to receive more federal medical assistance for Medicaid. 3. The bill provides additional financial support for hospitals in U.S. territories. 4. It eliminates late enrollment penalties for certain Medicare users in Puerto Rico. 5. The bill helps low-income residents in territories get better Medicare subsidies.