Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act
Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act
Plain Language Summary
# Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act would expand and permanently establish a Veterans Affairs program that helps pay for transportation to medical appointments. Currently, the program only serves veterans in "highly rural" areas, but this bill would extend it to all rural areas as well.
It would also increase the maximum grant amount from current levels to $60,000 (or up to $80,000 if vehicles must be purchased to meet disability access requirements), and allow county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations to apply for these grants in addition to existing eligible recipients. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects veterans living in rural and highly rural areas who struggle to access VA medical care due to distance and transportation challenges. It also affects county veterans service organizations, tribal organizations, and the VA, which would administer the expanded program. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Rural Veterans Transportation to Care ActThis bill expands and makes permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant program that provides transportation options to veterans for medical purposes.First, the bill expands the program to cover transportation for veterans in rural areas, in addition to veterans in highly rural areas (who are already eligible under the program).The bill also authorizes the VA to award such grants to county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations to assist veterans with transportation for medical care.Further, the bill increases the maximum grant amount to $60,000. However, if a grant recipient is required to purchase a vehicle to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, such grant amount may be increased to not more than $80,000.Finally, the bill defines rural and highly rural in the same manner as the terms are given under the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system of the Department of Agriculture. RUCA uses population density and commuting patterns to assign designations.
Latest Action
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.