Veterans who need to travel to VA medical facilities for treatment are entitled to mileage reimbursement, but the current rate is set at a fixed 41.5 cents per mile in federal law. The HEAL Act would change that by tying the VA's reimbursement rate directly to the General Services Administration's standard federal mileage rate for privately owned vehicles — the same rate used across the federal government — so it updates automatically over time rather than requiring another act of Congress. The bill also eliminates the VA's ability to charge veterans a deductible (an out-of-pocket cost) for travel to medical appointments. Veterans service organizations that provide rides to veterans would also become eligible for reimbursement under this updated rate.
Congressional Summary
Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act or the HEAL ActThis bill modifies the administration of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel benefit available to individuals traveling for vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for examination, treatment, or care.The bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel to or from VA facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment or care. Specifically, the bill raises the rate from 41.5 cents per mile to the rate for a privately owned automobile when no government vehicle is available (currently 70 cents per mile).The bill prohibits the VA from requiring a deductible for beneficiary travel for examination, treatment, or care.The bill also provides that veterans service organizations and veterans service agencies that provide transportation for examinations, treatment, or care to veterans may be allowed expenses of travel upon the same basis as such veteran beneficiaries.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-10
- Date Added
- 2026-04-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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