Bill Overview
Title: MOVE Act
Description: This bill requires the General Services Administration to delegate authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for leasing space for preventive health fitness programs and counseling. The bill also expands the definition of preventive health services (in relation to VA health care programs) to include (1) physical activity counseling, and (2) weight management services and physical activity programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. military veterans
Estimated Size: 19000000
- The MOVE Act is aimed at expanding health and fitness-related services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- The primary target population for this bill is U.S. military veterans.
- The bill specifically focuses on preventive health fitness programs, physical activity counseling, and weight management services for veterans.
- According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States.
- Globally, the focus is specifically on U.S. veterans, who may be residing in various parts of the world, although the services would primarily be available in the U.S.
Reasoning
- The MOVE Act aims specifically at benefiting veterans, so the interviews focus on veterans and their varying needs.
- Considering the cost limitations, the focus is on high-impact interventions for a subsection of the 19 million veterans.
- While many veterans may benefit, not all will receive equal levels of impact, some may see little change, and others will experience significant wellness improvements.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I struggle to keep up with my weight and find it hard to stay motivated while studying.
- I think having access to weight management services as part of my veteran benefits would be great.
- More counseling around fitness would definitely help me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel that there are some fitness and health wellness gaps in what the VA currently offers.
- This policy sounds promising if it genuinely offers physical activity programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard for me to get out and about, but having some structured activity programs could be useful.
- I've always believed in staying active as much as possible, even with my limited mobility.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Personal Trainer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that promotes health and fitness among veterans is a positive move.
- I think this policy could certainly help those veterans hesitant to start a fitness regime on their own.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Accountant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The mental health side of things is important and fitness could play a role in managing that.
- If this policy makes programs more accessible, it could significantly help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Freelance Writer (Portland, OR)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It would be wonderful to see more inclusive programs that cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ veterans.
- Having supportive fitness and mental health workshops could be very impactful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Nurse (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I try to remain fit and see the value in preventive measures.
- Having a structured program might motivate more veterans to get moving.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Construction Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been meaning to stop smoking and take care of my health.
- Hopefully, the policy can provide some structured exercise spaces and counselling to help with that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Entrepreneur (San Diego, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy matches my foundation's goals.
- If the VA offers more fitness options, we could help more veterans as well!
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Managing my diabetes has been a challenge, and more support from the VA would be helpful.
- This move could be extremely beneficial if implemented well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $480000000 (Low: $380000000, High: $580000000)
Year 3: $490000000 (Low: $390000000, High: $590000000)
Year 5: $460000000 (Low: $360000000, High: $560000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The demand for fitness and health counseling services among veterans might vary significantly across regions.
- The effectiveness of the programs will depend on veteran engagement and participation levels.
- Initial costs will be higher due to new infrastructure setup and program outreach.
- Ongoing evaluation of service delivery effectiveness will be crucial to assess the financial benefits and cost-efficiency of the program.