Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Congressman Nick Lalota, a U.S. Navy veteran, has introduced the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality Act (H.R. 10430), aiming to provide 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disabled veterans with comprehensive healthcare coverage while living or traveling abroad.
This legislation seeks to close the gap in the current Veterans Affairs (VA) Foreign Medical Program (FMP), which limits coverage to only service-connected conditions. Under the new bill, veterans rated 100% P&T would receive the same broad healthcare coverage as their dependents through the CHAMPVA program, including treatment for non-service-connected conditions.
The legislation also proposes modernizing the FMP by streamlining payment systems and reducing administrative waste, which could save taxpayers up to $20 million annually.
The bill originated from discussions with Jesse Cole Rivera, commander of American Legion Post 12 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, who highlighted the challenges veterans face abroad.
In the summer of 2023, Rivera brought these issues to Congressman Lalota’s attention. The legislation is expected to significantly benefit the 150-200 U.S. veterans living full-time in Puerto Vallarta. Recognizing the urgency, Rivera collaborated closely with Lalota and his team to help shape the framework for the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act.
Non profit groups, including LULAC National and the American Legion’s Department of Latin America and Department of California, have praised the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all veterans, regardless of location, receive the medical care they deserve.
“The Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2024, introduced by Congressman Nick Lalota, a U.S. Navy veteran, represents a significant step toward ensuring that our veterans receive the comprehensive healthcare they deserve, regardless of where they reside,” said Roman Palomares, National President of LULAC National.
Amado Salinas, with the American Legion’s Department of California, also emphasized the importance of the legislation: “The American Legion prioritizes national security, which includes advocating for our nation’s most severely disabled veterans to ensure they receive quality and affordable medical coverage both within and beyond the continental United States.”
With a cost-effective strategy and widespread bipartisan endorsements, the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act represents a vital investment in modernizing the VA’s FMP program while ensuring America’s most disabled veterans living overseas receive the comprehensive care they have earned. Congressman Lalota’s leadership on this issue reflects a deep commitment to support veterans and their families – no matter where they call home.
With strong bipartisan support, the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act promises to bring fairness and efficiency to veterans’ healthcare abroad.