Bill > HR5277

This bill, known as the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act), aims to improve transportation reimbursement for veterans traveling to and from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. The bill makes several key changes to existing law: it updates the mileage reimbursement rate to match the General Services Administration's rate for privately owned automobiles when no government vehicle is available, eliminates deductible payments for veteran travel related to medical examination, treatment, or care, and expands the definition of who can be reimbursed for transporting veterans. This expansion now includes personal care service providers approved by the VA, veterans service organizations that provide transportation, and local government veterans service agencies and their employees or volunteers. The bill ensures that these transportation providers can be reimbursed according to the updated mileage rate, making it easier and more financially viable for organizations to help veterans get to their medical appointments. By removing financial barriers and standardizing reimbursement rates, the HEAL Act seeks to improve veterans' access to medical care and support.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5277/all-info