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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Congress seeks VA telehealth and mail-order pharmacy access for veterans in the Freely Associated States

Also known as: U.S. Vets of the FAS Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(2)
Military Veteran
Helps
Veterans Benefits
Helps

Key Points

  • Would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to quickly make agreements with the Freely Associated States so veterans there can get VA health services.
  • Says the services must include, at minimum, telehealth appointments and prescription medicines delivered by mail.
  • Sets a timeline: VA should start outreach within 30 days of the law, and have agreements and services running within 1 year (as much as practical).
  • Strengthens a rule on travel help: if VA offers beneficiary travel payments in a year, it must provide the payments that the law allows; starts applying 1 year after enactment.
  • Requires VA to send Congress reports at least every 3 months on progress, costs, and what’s slowing things down until services are up and running.
VeteransHealthcareTelecommunications

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions
Jan 13, 2026House

Subcommittee Hearings Held

Jan 13, 2026House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Dec 11, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Dec 11, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 30 days after the Act is enacted

The VA begins outreach to each Freely Associated State government to negotiate required agreements.

This starts the process that can unlock VA telehealth visits and mailed prescriptions for veterans living there.

No later than 1 year after enactment (to the maximum extent practicable)

The VA enters into agreements with the Freely Associated States to enable delivery of the required services.

Once agreements are in place, the VA has a clear legal and practical pathway to provide care across borders and coordinate logistics.

No later than 1 year after enactment (to the maximum extent practicable)

VA telehealth services become available for eligible veterans in the Freely Associated States under the new agreements.

Veterans can have remote appointments without traveling long distances for routine care.

No later than 1 year after enactment (to the maximum extent practicable)

VA mail-order pharmacy shipments begin for veterans in the Freely Associated States under the new agreements.

Veterans can get prescription medicines delivered by mail instead of relying on travel or informal workarounds.

Starting after enactment and then at least every 3 months

Quarterly implementation and cost reports to Congress begin and continue until agreements are in place and services are operating (and then continue quarterly).

Public oversight pressure increases; if rollout is slow, the VA must explain the real-world blockers (technology, shipping, staffing, coordination).

For travel occurring on or after 1 year after enactment

New rule for required VA beneficiary travel payments applies to travel that occurs.

If the VA uses this travel-payment authority in a fiscal year, it must make the required payments, making travel support more predictable.

Related News

4 articles
Honolulu Star-Advertiser·2 months ago

Congress pushes VA to help COFA veterans

Covers legislation requiring VA telehealth, mail-order pharmacy and travel reimbursements for veterans in the Freely Associated States, and explains the COFA context and access barriers.

C=
Maui Now·2 months ago

Senate passes Schatz legislation to expand VA services to US Veterans in Freely Associated States

Reports on Senate passage and highlights required VA telehealth, mail-order pharmacy benefits, and beneficiary travel reimbursements for veterans in Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.

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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (press release page)·3 months ago

Senate Passes Schatz Legislation To Expand VA Services To U.S. Veterans In Freely Associated States

Announces Senate passage of the Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act, requiring VA telehealth, mail-order pharmacy, and beneficiary travel reimbursements for veterans in the FAS.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

U.S. Vets of the FAS Act

Bill NumberHR 6652
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionSubcommittee Hearings Held

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 2R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.