22 U.S.C. § 4084: Health care program

The Secretary of State shall establish a health care program to promote and maintain the physical and mental health of members of the Service, and (when incident to service abroad) other designated eligible Government employees, and members of the families of such members and employees. Any such health care program may include (1) medical examinations for applicants for employment, (2) medical examinations and inoculations or vaccinations, and other preventive and remedial care and services as necessary, for members of the Service and employees of the Department who are citizens of the United States and for members of their families, (3) health education and disease prevention programs for all employees, and (4) examinations necessary in order to establish disability or incapacity of participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System or Foreign Service Pension System or to provide survivor benefits under subchapter VIII. The Secretary of State may establish health care facilities and provide for the services of physicians, nurses, or other health care personnel at Foreign Service posts abroad at which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, a sufficient number of Government employees are assigned to warrant such facilities or services. If an individual eligible for health care under this section incurs an illness, injury, or medical condition which requires treatment while assigned to a post abroad or located overseas pursuant to Government authorization, the Secretary may pay the cost of such treatment. Health care may be provided under this section to a member of the Service or other designated eligible Government employee after the separation of such member or employee from Government service. Health care may be provided under this section to a member of the family of a member of the Service or of a designated eligible Government employee after the separation from Government service or the death of such member of the Service or employee or after dissolution of the marriage. The Secretary of State shall review on a continuing basis the health care program provided for in this section. Whenever the Secretary of State determines that all or any part of such program can be provided for as well and as cheaply in other ways, the Secretary may, for such individuals, locations, and conditions as the Secretary of State deems appropriate, contract for health care pursuant to such arrangements as the Secretary deems appropriate. Reimbursements paid to the Department of State for funding the costs of medical care abroad for employees and eligible family members shall be credited to the currently available applicable appropriation account. Such reimbursements shall be available for obligation and expenditure during the fiscal year in which they are received or for such longer period of time as may be provided in law. The Secretary [of State] shall seek to increase the number of personnel within the Bureau of Medical Services to address mental health needs for both foreign and civil servants. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division [ Dec. 22, 2023 ], the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 10 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this division.”