Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB467

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The passing of HB 467 could have a profound impact on veterans’ healthcare. By removing the service-connected disability requirement, the bill may lead to an increased number of veterans able to access necessary medical services overseas. It also proposes to modernize and streamline the reimbursement process, allowing for electronic fund transfer, which is expected to ease the administrative burden on veterans as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs. This could enhance the overall efficiency of the healthcare provision system for veterans.

Summary

House Bill 467, titled the Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025, proposes significant amendments to Title 38 of the United States Code. The primary aim of the bill is to eliminate the requirement that veterans must have a service-connected disability to qualify for medical care outside their state. This is intended to expand the access of veterans to necessary healthcare services regardless of their disability status, thus improving healthcare delivery for all veterans residing or traveling outside of the United States.

Contention

Despite the positive implications envisioned by advocates of HB 467, concerns may arise regarding its implementation and the potential impacts on the existing frameworks for veterans' healthcare. Critics may question whether the expansion would overload the non-Department entities tasked with managing the network for providing healthcare services. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the funding and administrative capacities of the Department of Veterans Affairs in effectively managing the expanded program while ensuring quality of care.

Congress_id

119-HR-467

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10430

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.

US HB214

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

US HB394

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

US HB10012

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

US HB9177

Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2024

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB491

Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. The bill also specifies that the VA may adjust the per diem rate in response to an emergency.

US SB5035

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

US HB234

Gerald's Law Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies from a non-service-connected disability in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care).

US HB105

TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.