H.R. 439

119 HR 439 IH: Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2025-01-15
 text/xml
 EN
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 I  119th CONGRESS  1st Session  H. R. 439  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   January 15, 2025   Mr. LaLota  introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on Veterans' Affairs    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.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025  .
2.
Department of Veterans Affairs furnishing of hospital care and medical services outside a State to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as permanent and total
(a)
In general
Section 1724 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  and (f)  and inserting  (f), and (g) ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(g)
The Secretary shall furnish hospital care and medical services outside a State to a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as permanent and total who is otherwise eligible to receive hospital care and medical services if the Secretary determines that—
(1)
the hospital care or medical services furnished are consistent with the standard medical practice in the United States; and
(2)
in the case of any prescription medication furnished, such medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
(h)
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that—
(1)
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
(2)
the appropriate mobile applications of the Department provide for—
(A)
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
(B)
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.
 .
(b)
Effective date
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to hospital care or medical services furnished on or after such date.
(c)
Report
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the amendments made by this Act. Such report shall include an analysis of the implementation of such amendments, any challenges encountered, and the efficacy of the hospital care and medical services furnished pursuant to such amendments.