HEAL Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 22, 2025
Bottom line
The HEAL Act aims to reduce financial barriers and increase support for veterans accessing VA healthcare by updating travel reimbursement rates, eliminating deductibles, and expanding who can receive reimbursement for transportation.
What it actually does
This bill updates and expands the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program for reimbursing veterans and their transporters for travel to VA facilities. It ties the mileage reimbursement rate to the General Services Administration's (GSA) rate for privately owned automobiles, eliminates deductibles for travel, and broadens eligibility for reimbursement to include personal care service providers, veterans service organizations (VSOs), and local government veterans service agencies.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for ensuring veterans can access the healthcare they need without undue financial burden. They contend that updating the mileage rate to reflect current costs and eliminating deductibles will make travel more affordable. Furthermore, proponents highlight that recognizing and reimbursing VSOs and local agencies for their transportation services will strengthen community support networks and expand access for veterans, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the potential increase in the VA's budget expenditures without a specified funding mechanism, especially given the expansion of eligible entities and the removal of deductibles. They may argue that while the intent is good, the fiscal implications need careful consideration to avoid straining VA resources or impacting other critical veteran services.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(a)
Mileage Reimbursement Rate Update
This provision changes the fixed mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to VA facilities from 41.5 cents per mile to a variable rate. The new rate will be equal to the rate prescribed by the Administrator of General Services for privately owned automobiles when no Government vehicle is available, which is typically adjusted annually to reflect current fuel and vehicle operating costs.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that tying the mileage rate to the GSA standard ensures that veterans and their transporters are reimbursed at a fair rate that keeps pace with actual transportation costs, preventing financial disincentives for seeking care.
Critics contend
Opponents might express concern that this change will lead to an unpredictable increase in VA expenditures, as the GSA rate can fluctuate and is outside the direct control of the VA's budget planning.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff is between providing adequate reimbursement that reflects real-world costs and maintaining predictable budget outlays for the VA. While beneficial for veterans, it introduces a variable cost factor.
Section 2(b)
Prohibition on Travel Deductibles
This provision amends existing law to explicitly prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from requiring any deductible for travel expenses incurred by veterans for examinations, treatment, or care at VA facilities. This means veterans will no longer have to pay an initial amount out-of-pocket before their travel costs are reimbursed.
Section 2(c)
Expansion of Eligible Transportation Providers
This provision expands the categories of individuals and organizations eligible to receive reimbursement for transporting veterans to VA facilities. It specifically includes personal care service providers approved under certain sections of title 38, veterans service organizations (VSOs) that provide transportation, and veterans service agencies of local governments (including their employees or volunteers). It also clarifies that VSOs are eligible for reimbursement under the general travel allowance rules.