Veteran Healthcare: Actions Needed to Improve the Foreign Medical Program

The GAO report highlights critical challenges in the Veterans Health Administration’s Foreign Medical Program. Over the past several years, claim reimbursements for veterans receiving healthcare abroad have surged, yet inefficiencies in processing have led to delays and fraud risks. The reliance on outdated systems and paper checks has compounded these issues, prompting calls for modernization. Addressing staffing shortages and implementing stronger fraud risk assessments will be key to ensuring veterans receive the care and support they deserve.