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VA must reimburse ambulance costs for highly rural veterans' emergency care.

This law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover the cost of ambulance transportation, including air ambulance, for veterans residing in highly rural areas who need authorized medical care. This change ensures that these veterans receive reimbursement for expensive emergency transport, regardless of whether they qualify for standard VA travel allowances. The goal is to remove financial barriers and improve access to critical care in remote locations.
Key points
Veterans living in areas classified as "highly rural" (based on USDA coding) are eligible for full reimbursement of ambulance (ground or air) costs to reach a VA or authorized non-VA provider.
Eligibility for emergency transport reimbursement is separate from and does not depend on qualifying for standard VA beneficiary travel payments, ensuring easier access to emergency care.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2263
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Process start date: 2023-07-12
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

The Rural Vital Emergency Transportation Services (VETS) Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2263.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-12.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Veterans living in areas classified as "highly rural" (based on USDA coding) are eligible for full reimbursement of ambulance (ground or air) costs to reach a VA or authorized non-VA provider.
  • Eligibility for emergency transport reimbursement is separate from and does not depend on qualifying for standard VA beneficiary travel payments, ensuring easier access to emergency care.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits