Congressman Mike Lawler Introduces the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act to Improve Veterans' Access to Care

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) recently introduced the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act) to address the challenges faced by veterans in accessing medical care due to transportation barriers. The legislation aims to increase reimbursement rates for veterans' travel, eliminate deductibles, and authorize reimbursement for veterans' service organizations and local government agencies that provide transportation assistance.

Key Takeaways:

• The HEAL Act would tie the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans to the federal GSA rate for privately owned vehicles, increasing the reimbursement for veterans' travel.
• The legislation would eliminate deductibles currently required for veterans traveling for care, making it easier for them to access medical services without financial hardship.
• The HEAL Act would authorize reimbursement for veterans' service organizations and local government agencies that provide transportation assistance, recognizing the crucial work they do in supporting veterans' access to care.
• Congressman Lawler is a strong advocate for veterans, particularly those living in the Hudson Valley region, and believes the HEAL Act would deliver results for those who have sacrificed for the country.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports the HEAL Act, praising Congressman Lawler's bipartisan effort to modernize transportation reimbursements and eliminate deductibles for veterans.

Statistics:

• The HEAL Act aims to increase reimbursement for veterans' travel by tying the mileage rate to the federal GSA rate for privately owned vehicles.
• Veterans currently face deductibles for traveling to and from VA facilities, which the HEAL Act would eliminate, making it easier for them to access medical services.
• The VFW estimates that the HEAL Act would provide critical support to veterans, particularly those living far from VA facilities, by recognizing the importance of access to healthcare and every mile that matters.

Sources:

• [Release by the office of New York Rep. Mike Lawler]
• [Statement from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)]