Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Oversight of VA Foreign Medical Program

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Foreign Medical Program Integrity and Improvement Act, legislation to crack down on fraud and strengthen oversight of a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare program that has been plagued by growing vulnerabilities and tens of millions of dollars in improper payments.

"Americans have no problem supporting our veterans. What they do have a problem with is watching taxpayer dollars disappear because Washington failed to put basic safeguards in place," said Congressman Harrigan. "The Foreign Medical Program exists for one reason: to ensure veterans living overseas can access the care they've earned. Instead, we've seen claims explode, fraud risks increase, and a system that hasn't kept pace with reality. My legislation strengthens oversight, protects taxpayer dollars, and ensures resources go where they belong, to the veterans who earned them. Veterans deserve better, and taxpayers deserve accountability."

The Foreign Medical Program provides healthcare coverage for veterans living or traveling abroad with service-connected disabilities. According to the Government Accountability Office, accepted claims increased from roughly 64,000 in 2018 to more than 160,000 in 2024, while claims activity in several high-risk countries surged. Federal investigators later uncovered a provider fraud scheme in Panama that resulted in approximately $67 million in losses to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Foreign Medical Program Integrity and Improvement Act gives the VA additional tools to prevent fraud, strengthen oversight, and modernize program administration. The legislation establishes payment safeguards, enhances fraud detection authorities, prevents payments to deceased individuals and fraudulent providers, and improves claims processing to better protect both veterans and taxpayers.