HR 439
Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025
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Bill overview
This bill updates the process for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities to receive medical care abroad. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be required to provide hospital care and medical services outside the United States to eligible veterans if certain standards are met, including consistency with U.S. medical practices and FDA approval of medications. The bill also aims to modernize the reimbursement process and VA applications to improve efficiency.
Key provisions
- Requires the VA to provide hospital care and medical services abroad for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
- The care must align with standard medical practices in the United States.
- Prescription medications must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Reimbursements to veterans and providers must be made via direct deposit.
- The VA’s mobile applications must facilitate digital form submission and tracking.
- Benefits authorization letters and other relevant documents must be accessible through the VA’s mobile applications.
- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit a report to Congress on the implementation of the changes within two years.
Who is affected
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- Medical providers
- Individuals eligible for VA healthcare
Notable changes
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 439
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services outside a State to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as permanent and total, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025
.
in subsection (a), by striking and (f)
and inserting (f), and (g)
; and
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
in the case of any prescription medication furnished, such medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
reimbursements made to veterans and medical providers can be made by direct deposit payments in such a manner as to expedite such reimbursements, improve efficiency, and reduce administrative costs; and
the appropriate mobile applications of the Department provide for—
the digital submission and real-time tracking of any forms and supporting documentation required for the receipt of hospital care or medical services, or reimbursement for such care or services, under this section; and
the availability of any benefits authorization letter, predetermination letter, or continuity of care document associated with hospital care or medical services furnished under this section.