HEAL Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5277

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Last Updated

2026-04-10T16:22:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act), H.R. 5277, aims to make transportation to and from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities more affordable for veterans by increasing reimbursement rates for mileage and expanding eligibility for payments to include more organizations and individuals who assist with such travel.

Key Provisions

• Mileage Reimbursement Rate: Replaces the fixed rate of 41.5 cents per mile with a variable rate set by the Administrator of General Services (under 5 U.S.C. § 5707(b)), which matches the standard federal reimbursement for using a private vehicle when no government vehicle is available. This rate is typically higher and adjusts periodically based on fuel and vehicle costs.
• No Deductibles for Travel: Prohibits the VA Secretary from requiring veterans to pay a deductible (an upfront out-of-pocket amount) for travel related to medical examinations, treatment, or care.
• Expanded Eligibility for Reimbursements:
• Includes providers of personal care services for veterans who are approved or designated under specific VA caregiver support programs (38 U.S.C. § 1720G(a)).
• Covers veterans service organizations (VSOs) that provide transportation under a dedicated VA program (38 U.S.C. § 111A), with reimbursements limited to amounts allowed under the main travel reimbursement rules.
• Extends to veterans service agencies of local governments, including their employees or volunteers who transport veterans.
• Reimbursement for VSOs: Clarifies that VSOs can receive reimbursement from the VA for transportation services, but only up to the limits set in the travel reimbursement statute, rather than operating without any VA payment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Rate Adjustment: Shifts from a static 41.5 cents per mile (set since 2005) to a dynamic federal standard rate, which is currently around 67 cents per mile but can increase with economic factors, making reimbursements more generous and up-to-date.
• Deductible Elimination: Removes any existing authority for the VA to impose deductibles on travel benefits, simplifying access and reducing financial barriers for veterans.
• Broader Provider Inclusion: Expands the list of eligible recipients beyond individuals and certain organizations to explicitly include personal care providers, VSOs under a specific program, and local government agencies, which were not previously detailed in this way. It also ties VSO reimbursements more closely to standard travel rules, potentially increasing oversight but enabling funding.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The VA may face higher costs due to increased reimbursement rates and expanded eligibility, requiring budget adjustments or additional funding from Congress. Local governments could benefit from reimbursements for veteran transport services, easing municipal budgets.
• On Citizens: Veterans, especially those in rural areas or with limited mobility, will likely experience reduced personal expenses for medical travel, improving access to VA care. Caregivers and volunteers may be incentivized to provide more transport assistance without financial loss.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic VA services for U.S. veterans.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans: Primary beneficiaries through lower costs and easier access to VA facilities for healthcare.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing changes, processing reimbursements, and managing potential cost increases.
• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Gain clearer reimbursement pathways, encouraging more involvement in veteran transport.
• Local Government Agencies: Newly eligible for reimbursements, allowing them to support veteran services without full local funding.
• Personal Care Providers and Caregivers: Expanded inclusion enables compensation for travel-related assistance to veterans.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens veterans' benefits under title 38 of the U.S. Code by aligning reimbursements with broader federal travel standards (title 5), reducing administrative burdens, and prohibiting deductibles, which could limit future VA discretion in cost-sharing. No conflicts with existing laws, but it may require VA rulemaking to implement the new rate and eligibility criteria.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to provide for veterans' welfare; no apparent free speech, due process, or equal protection issues, as it expands benefits equitably.
• Political: Supports bipartisan priorities on veteran care by addressing affordability gaps, potentially appealing to lawmakers focused on military support. It could influence future VA funding debates, highlighting tensions between service expansion and fiscal constraints, without introducing controversial elements like oversight reforms.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
• 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2025-09-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (4 pages)