The Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act) would modify how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays for veterans’ transportation to and from VA facilities. The bill would replace a fixed mileage rate with a rate tied to the General Services Administration (GSA) per-mile rate for privately owned autos when no government vehicle is available. It would also eliminate deductibles for travel related to VA examinations or care. In addition, the bill broadens who can receive or provide reimbursable transportation, extending eligibility to certain providers of personal care services, veterans service organizations (VSOs) that transport veterans, and veterans service agencies at the local government level. The changes aim to make transportation more affordable and accessible for veterans and the organizations that assist them.
Key Points
- 1Mileage reimbursement rate changes: The fixed rate of 41.5 cents per mile is replaced with the rate “equal to the rate for a privately owned automobile when no Government vehicle is available,” as determined by the General Services Administration (GSA).
- 2No deductible for travel: The bill prohibits requiring a deductible for travel related to VA examinations, treatment, or care.
- 3Expanded eligibility for transportation reimbursements:
- 4- Providers of personal care services for veterans who are approved or designated under specific sections of VA law (1720G) can be included.
- 5- Veterans service organizations that provide transportation under any VA transportation program (section 111A) can be reimbursed.
- 6- Veterans service agencies of local governments (including employees or volunteers) that provide transportation can be reimbursed.
- 7Reimbursement language clarified: The text tightens how reimbursement by the VA is described for transportation services, aligning it with existing authorities under section 111 and clarifying when reimbursements are allowable.
- 8Editorial and definitional adjustments: Minor wording changes to terms like “veterans service” and related subsections to ensure consistency with the bill’s expanded scope.