The VA’s Role in Illegal Immigrant Health Care Has Veterans Groups and Legislators Up in Arms

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

VA resources have been used to process claims for medical care of illegal immigrants since 2020, says a DHS report.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) predicts the agency’s case backlog will peak at 400,000 in 2024. So, a report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which said VA resources have been used to process claims for medical care of illegal immigrants since 2020, is causing backlash from several legislators and veterans’ agencies.

The DHS report gives a detailed view of how U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are working with the VA to contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center to process medical claims reimbursements for immigrants who have not qualified for veterans benefits.

In fiscal year 2022 alone, the VA processed health care claims for illegal immigrants totaling more than $63.6 million in medical services, the ICE report stated. That number is expected to rise by the end of fiscal year 2023, the report explains, because providers have one year after the date of service to submit claims.

“As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served,” said Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), who has introduced legislation to block VA funds from being used to aid illegal immigrants. “Joe Biden’s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he’s taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants,” he said in a statement.

In an October report, the VA reported hundreds of thousands of backlogged cases. A backlogged case is categorized as one that has been pending for more than 125 days, an increase of more than a third expected in 2024.

In its end-of-year 2023 benefits claims update, the VA pointed to the PACT Act as inspiring veterans this year to apply for benefits at a record rate, over 39 percent more than the previous record of applications. The Act, passed in 2022, expanded care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances for those eligible.

By Mark Gilman

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Coldplay Concert Offers Us Garden of Eden Moment

Adultery is still illegal in 10 states. It was illegal in 15 states just 30 years ago. There was a time when adultery was a crime in all 50 states!

Uncle SLIC’s lingering loans

School may be out for the summer, but the Student Loan Industrial Complex (SLIC) chugs along no matter what time of the year it is.

Epstein’s Island

The miscommunication by Trump Admin officials on Epstein rival any of the comedic exchanges between the Skipper and Gilligan, without the laughs.

Why Thinking Americans Are Pissed!

Some people in this country do not think much...

Rise by the Conspiracy Theory, Fall by the Conspiracy Theory

The uproar in the MAGA world over the failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein client list should be a cause for serious concern for President Trump.

Ole Miss Football Player Corey Adams Killed in Tennessee Shooting

Ole Miss freshman football player Corey Adams was killed in a shooting in Tennessee, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday.

Texas AG Sues Masters Swimming Group That Allowed Transgender Athletes

Texas AG Ken Paxton sued an adult swimming organization after it allowed transgender athletes to compete at a women’s spring meet in San Antonio.

American Express Hits Record Revenue as Card Member Spending Surges

American Express generated record second-quarter revenue amid strong spending by cardholders, the company said in a July 18 statement.

Missing Persons in Texas County Floods Revised to 3 From 160

Texas officials said Saturday that most of the 160 people reported missing in Kerr County have been accounted for, but that three are still missing.

Commerce Secretary Says US Still Eyeing 10 Percent Baseline Tariff

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the US is still aiming to leave a 10 percent baseline tariff on many smaller countries

Trump Signs Order to Reclassify Noncareer Federal Workers

President Trump signed an EO to create a new classification of noncareer federal workers whose roles are focused on implementing president’s policy agenda.

Trump Pledges to Prevent US Central Bank Digital Currency

CBDC will not be allowed in the Us, President Trump said at a White House event, promising to take legislative action to prevent such a situation.

EPA Slashes 23 Percent of Its Workforce, Eliminating Scientific Research Arm

EPA announced it will cut about 23% of its workforce and eliminate its research and development office as part of the agency’s restructuring effort.
spot_img

Related Articles