H.R.467 - Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 467, the Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to broaden the scope of the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) for veterans. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate the requirement that veterans must have a service-connected disability to receive medical care outside of a state. The bill also mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its payment system to allow for electronic fund transfer reimbursements and to assess the feasibility of contracting with a non-Department entity to build a network for providing care under the FMP.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand access to medical care for veterans residing or traveling outside the United States, regardless of whether their medical condition is service-connected. This could lead to increased utilization of the FMP and potentially higher costs for the VA. The electronic fund transfer reimbursement provision would streamline the payment process for veterans and healthcare providers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to medical care for veterans living or traveling abroad, regardless of service-connected disabilities.
- Streamlined reimbursement process through electronic fund transfers.
- Potential for a more efficient and comprehensive network of care providers through contracting with non-Department entities.
- Improved health outcomes for veterans who may have previously been unable to access care under the FMP.
- Reduction in administrative burden for veterans seeking reimbursement.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the VA due to expanded eligibility.
- Feasibility assessment of contracting may reveal unforeseen challenges or inefficiencies.
- Possible strain on existing VA resources to manage the expanded program.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the reimbursement process if not properly monitored.
- Potential for inequities if the contracted network is not evenly distributed geographically.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). By expanding healthcare access for veterans, the bill supports their well-being, which can be seen as fulfilling the government's responsibility to those who have served in the military. There are no apparent conflicts with specific articles or amendments of the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).