; experts and consultants). (5) Subsection (e) (relating to powers). IV ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS 401. Treatment of VA and IHS health programs (a) VA health programs This Act provides for health programs of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to initially remain independent for the 10-year period that begins on the date of the establishment of the Medicare For All Program. After such 10-year period, the Congress shall reevaluate whether such programs shall remain independent or be integrated into the Medicare For All Program. (b) Indian Health Service programs This Act provides for health programs of the Indian Health Service to initially remain independent for the 5-year period that begins on the date of the establishment of the Medicare For All Program, after which such programs shall be integrated into the Medicare For All Program. 402. Public health and prevention It is the intent of this Act that the Program at all times stress the importance of good public health through the prevention of diseases. 403. Reduction in health disparities It is the intent of this Act to reduce health disparities by race, ethnicity, income and geographic region, and to provide high quality, cost-effective, culturally appropriate care to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or language. V EFFECTIVE DATE 501. Effective date Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Act shall take effect on the first day of the first year that begins more than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to items and services furnished on or after such date.