Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025
Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025 — Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act would expand healthcare benefits for U.S. veterans living or traveling outside the United States. Currently, the VA only covers medical care for veterans abroad if they have a service-connected disability (an injury or illness caused by military service) or are participating in a rehabilitation program. This bill would remove those restrictions, allowing more veterans to access VA-funded medical care while overseas.
The bill also requires the VA to modernize its payment system to use electronic fund transfers and to study whether it should partner with private healthcare providers to build a network of doctors and hospitals abroad. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects U.S. veterans living abroad or planning to travel internationally. It could expand care access for veterans who don't have service-connected disabilities but still use VA benefits. The bill also affects the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would need to update its payment systems and potentially create new partnerships with foreign medical providers. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025This bill expands eligibility for care under the Foreign Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by removing certain eligibility requirements. The program authorizes the VA to furnish care and services to veterans abroad (i.e., outside any state) for the treatment of service-connected disabilities or as part of a Veteran Readiness and Employment rehabilitation program. The bill expands eligibility for care by removing the requirement that a veteran have a service-connected disability or be participating in a rehabilitation program.The bill also requires the VA to update its payment system to allow for reimbursements through electronic fund transfer.Under the bill, the VA must assess the feasibility and implications of contracting with an appropriate non-VA entity to build a network of non-VA entities to provide hospital care and medical services abroad under the Foreign Medical Program.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.