Thousands of U.S. military veterans live overseas, including many in the Philippines. These proud American veterans, who have honorably served our country, face serious barriers to receiving the VA healthcare benefits they have earned.

Among the challenges are the limited services available at the VA Manila Outpatient Clinic, which restricts the necessary medical care veterans can receive. Additionally, the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) imposes restrictions and often denies coverage, leaving veterans stranded without the care they require.

The process is further complicated by delays in reimbursements, authorizations, and approvals. These administrative setbacks not only hinder timely access to medical services but also place financial burdens on veterans who must pay out of pocket while waiting for reimbursement.

Moreover, veterans overseas have no access to local durable medical equipment (DME) vendors, crucial for maintaining their health and quality of life. The lack of local DME vendors can be detrimental, especially for those needing assistive devices.

There is also a significant gap in essential healthcare services, such as home health care, nursing, and community-based support, which are inaccessible to many overseas veterans.

These barriers collectively contradict the principles that all American veterans should be cared for equally. Every veteran should be endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which includes equal access to healthcare.

To remedy this situation, we propose the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs take immediate action to:
1. Expand the services available at the VA Manila Outpatient Clinic.
2. Revise the Foreign Medical Program to ensure fair and comprehensive coverage.
3. Improve the reimbursement and approval process for veterans' medical expenses.
4. Establish partnerships with local DME vendors to supply necessary equipment.
5. Implement comprehensive home health care services for overseas veterans.

We call on government representatives, the VA, and all relevant authorities to uphold their commitment to these veterans. Please support us in ensuring equal access to healthcare for all American veterans, regardless of where they reside. Sign this petition to make a difference. #AmVetsHealth