Veteran Travel Support: New Rules and Pilot Programs
This act aims to improve veterans' access to healthcare and support services by streamlining and expanding transportation programs. It establishes permanent provisions for veteran transport and introduces new pilot programs to help cover travel costs, especially for low-income individuals and those in rural areas.
Key points
Permanent Transport Authority: The Department of Veterans Affairs will have permanent authority to transport veterans to and from medical facilities.
Support for Veteran Organizations: Permanent funding is secured for organizations assisting rural veterans with transportation.
Pilot Programs: New pilot programs will test advance travel payments for low-income veterans and reimbursement for travel to mental health counseling centers.
Public Transportation Improvement: A grant program for local governments will be launched to develop public transportation, making it easier for veterans to access medical facilities and services.
Expenditure Oversight: Studies will be conducted on fraud and waste in travel programs and an assessment of the effectiveness of current travel reimbursement rates.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_2627
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Process start date: 2021-08-05