Overview
- ICE Health Service Corps posted that its new contractor, Acentra, will not process third‑party medical claims until at least April 30, and providers were told to hold all submissions.
- ICE has not paid third‑party medical providers since October 3, 2025, when the VA ended its long‑standing role processing reimbursements for off‑site care.
- An administration source says the VA is working to potentially restart claims processing temporarily while the new system comes online.
- Internal data show the VA processed $246.42 million in detainee medical claims in 2024 versus $157.2 million in 2025 despite a larger detained population, indicating an estimated near‑$300 million shortfall.
- Reports and lawsuits describe denied or delayed essential care, Senator Jon Ossoff documented 85 credible neglect cases, and deaths in ICE custody have surged with seven in December and at least six so far in January.