Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025
The Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025 would expand VA authority to provide hospital care and medical services outside a veteran’s resident state for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as permanent and total. The care must align with standard medical practice in the United States, and any prescribed medications must be FDA-approved. The bill also modernizes certain administrative processes by requiring direct deposit reimbursements and by expanding the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mobile apps to support digital submission and real-time tracking of forms, supporting documents, and related letters or documents. The changes would take effect 90 days after enactment and apply to care furnished on or after that date; a congressionally mandated report would be due within two years to assess implementation, challenges, and efficacy.
Key Points
- 1Expands the VA’s ability to furnish hospital care and medical services outside a veteran’s state for those with permanent and total service-connected disabilities who are otherwise eligible.
- 2Conditions for eligibility include that the care is consistent with standard medical practice in the United States and that any prescribed medications are FDA-approved.
- 3Administrative modernization: reimbursements to veterans and providers would be via direct deposit to speed payments and reduce costs; VA mobile apps must support digital submission and real-time tracking of forms and documents, and provide access to benefit documents (authorization letters, predetermination letters, continuity of care documents).
- 4Effective date: of the amendments is 90 days after enactment, applying to care furnished on or after that date.
- 5Oversight requirement: a report to Congress within two years analyzing implementation, challenges, and the effectiveness of the amendments.