Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025
In Committee
Introduced:Feb 24, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Nick LaLota
R - NY
Cosponsors
20
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Summary
This bill ensures veterans with permanent total service-connected disabilities can receive VA hospital care and medical services while living or traveling abroad, provided the care meets U.S. medical standards and any medications are FDA-approved. It modernizes payment processes with direct deposit reimbursements and requires VA mobile apps to support digital submission and tracking of healthcare documents.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill ensures veterans with permanent total service-connected disabilities can receive VA hospital care and medical services while living or traveling abroad, provided the care meets U.S. medical standards and any medications are FDA-approved. It modernizes payment processes with direct deposit reimbursements and requires VA mobile apps to support digital submission and tracking of healthcare documents.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish hospital care and medical services abroad (i.e., outside any state) to a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as permanent and total who is otherwise eligible for such care if the VA determines certain requirements are met. Specifically, the VA must furnish such care to an eligible veteran if it determines (1) the hospital care or medical services are consistent with the standard medical practice in the United States, and (2) any prescription medication furnished is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.</p><p>For any care provided abroad, the VA must ensure (1) reimbursements made to veterans and medical providers can be made by direct deposit; and (2) the VA’s mobile applications provide for digital submission, real-time tracking of required forms, and the availability of specified documents associated with care or services, such as a benefits authorization letter.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Extends VA hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans living abroad
Requires care provided abroad to meet U.S. medical practice standards
Mandates FDA approval for any prescribed medications
Enables direct deposit reimbursements for veterans and providers abroad
Requires VA mobile apps to support digital document submission and tracking
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities who live or travel abroad would gain access to VA healthcare coverage they currently lack. This removes a significant barrier for disabled veterans who relocate internationally, ensuring they can receive proper care wherever they live.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Health care coverage and access
Internet, web applications, social media
Veterans' medical care
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
439, 119th Congress (2025). "Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-439