Bill Summary
The "Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025" aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code, specifically by removing the requirement that veterans must have a service-connected disability to receive medical care outside of the United States. This legislation seeks to broaden access to medical services for veterans, allowing any eligible veteran to receive care regardless of whether their condition is service-related.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Elimination of the Service-Connected Disability Requirement:** The bill removes the stipulation that care is only available for veterans with service-connected disabilities, making care accessible to a wider range of veterans.
2. **Electronic Fund Transfer Reimbursement:** It mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to update its payment systems to facilitate reimbursements via electronic fund transfers for medical services obtained under the program.
3. **Assessment of Contracting for Care Provision:** The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with evaluating the possibility of partnering with non-government entities to create a network for providing hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans, while considering the administrative impact on those receiving care.
Overall, the bill seeks to modernize and expand the Foreign Medical Program, enhancing the healthcare options available to veterans living or traveling abroad.
Possible Impacts
The **Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025** could affect people in several significant ways:
1. **Increased Access to Medical Care for Veterans**: By eliminating the requirement for a service-connected disability to receive medical care outside of a state, the legislation allows a broader range of veterans to access healthcare services. This means that veterans who may have non-service-connected health issues or those living abroad can receive necessary medical care without the previous limitations, potentially improving their overall health and well-being.
2. **Streamlined Reimbursement Process**: The act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its payment system to allow for electronic fund transfers for reimbursements. This change could simplify and expedite the reimbursement process for veterans who receive medical care, reducing the financial burden and making it easier for them to manage their healthcare expenses.
3. **Potential for Expanded Healthcare Networks**: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with assessing the feasibility of contracting with non-Department entities to create a network of providers for veterans' medical services. This could lead to the development of a more extensive and diverse network of healthcare providers, giving veterans more choices and potentially improving the quality of care they receive, especially in areas where VA facilities may be limited or unavailable.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 467 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 467
To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement of
a service-connected disability to furnish veterans with medical care
outside of a State, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 15, 2025
Mr. Van Drew introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement of
a service-connected disability to furnish veterans with medical care
outside of a State, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Foreign Medical Program
Modernization Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Elimination of Service-Connected Disability Requirement.--
Section 1724 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a);
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as
subsections (a) through (d), respectively;
(3) in subsection (a), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``if the
Secretary determines that such care and services are
needed for the treatment of a service-connected
disability of the veteran or as part of a
rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this
title''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``a service-
connected disability of''; and
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking
``who has a service-connected disability''.
(b) Electronic Fund Transfer Reimbursement.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall update the payment system of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to allow for reimbursements through electronic fund
transfer for hospital care or medical services furnished pursuant to
section 1724 of title 38, United States Code.
(c) Assessment of Contract for Provision of Care.--The Secretary
shall assess the feasibility and implications of entering into a
contract with an appropriate non-Department entity to build a network
of non-Department entities to provide hospital care and medical
services pursuant to section 1724 of title 38, United States Code,
including implications for the administrative burden on veterans
eligible to receive such care and services.
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