Bill > HR6839

This bill, titled the Vaccine Transportation Access Act, aims to address transportation barriers that prevent individuals, particularly those from low-income or minority communities, from accessing eligible vaccines. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to as the "Secretary") is authorized to award grants to qualified community organizations, which are defined as non-profit entities experienced in managing federal grants and serving underserved communities. These grants can fund projects that develop, expand, or enhance transportation to and from vaccine sites, including providing scheduled or on-demand rides, and "first and last mile" transportation, which covers the journey between a person's home and public transit, or directly to the destination if public transit isn't available. Grant recipients must report on their performance, and the Secretary will submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's progress. Additionally, the bill amends the Social Security Act to provide 100% federal funding for non-emergency transportation benefits related to administering eligible vaccines to individuals receiving medical assistance under that act. An "eligible vaccine" is defined as any immunization recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of October 25, 2024, or recommended by professional medical societies.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6839/all-info