HR5277-119

What This Bill Does

The HEAL Act expands Department of Veterans Affairs travel reimbursement for veterans going to or from VA examination, treatment, or care. It replaces the fixed 41.5 cents-per-mile rate with the GSA privately owned automobile rate used when no government vehicle is available. It removes the VA travel deductible by stating that the Secretary may not require a deductible for travel for examination, treatment, or care. It expands eligible transportation providers to include approved or designated personal care service providers under the family caregiver program, veterans service organizations that provide transportation under section 111A, and local government veterans service agencies, including their employees and volunteers. It also changes section 111A so veterans service organization transportation may be reimbursed by VA to the extent allowable under section 111. The practical effect is higher mileage reimbursement, no deductible, and a broader set of reimbursable veteran transportation providers.

Who Benefits and How

Veterans traveling to VA care benefit from mileage reimbursement tied to the GSA privately owned automobile rate instead of a fixed 41.5 cents per mile. Disabled veterans benefit because approved personal-care providers can be covered transportation providers. Veterans service organizations benefit because their veteran transportation can be reimbursed by VA when section 111 allows it. Local government veterans service agencies benefit because employees and volunteers can provide covered transportation.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Department of Veterans Affairs payment offices must administer higher mileage rates, no deductible, and broader transportation-provider categories. VA budget officials bear increased beneficiary travel reimbursement costs. Federal taxpayers fund the higher mileage rate and removal of deductibles. Veterans service agency administrators must document reimbursable transportation under VA rules.

Key Provisions

• Requires VA mileage reimbursement to equal the GSA privately owned automobile rate when no government vehicle is available.
• Prohibits VA from requiring a deductible for travel to examination, treatment, or care.
• Expands covered transportation providers to approved personal-care providers, veterans service organizations, and local veterans service agencies.
• Allows veterans service organization transportation reimbursement to the extent permitted by VA travel law.