Wyden, Hoyle, Salinas Join Legislation to Lower VA Medical Care Costs for Traveling Veterans
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden along with U.S. Reps. Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) said today they are joining legislation that would make it easier for 8 million veterans in Oregon and nationwide to receive essential health care and ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs’ travel reimbursement rate keeps pace with inflation and gas prices.
“It’s unacceptable that the very people who chose to serve and defend our country are forced to choose between the cost of health care or the cost of their travel,” Wyden said. “ This legislation will ensure no veteran must make that impossible and unfair choice. Let’s honor these heroes for their service by cutting their costs and providing them with the medical treatment they need–no matter where they are.”
“Our veterans have served, sacrificed and shown the ultimate commitment to our country. In return, it is our responsibility to make sure they are taken care of and can get the healthcare they need at an affordable cost,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This legislation would reduce costs for veterans traveling to doctors' appointments, increase reimbursement rates, and is especially beneficial for the many veterans in my district who live in rural or remote communities. We have more veterans than any other district in Oregon, and I am proud to support this legislation to deliver for them.”
“As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I am focused on bringing down the high cost of living for America’s heroes. That includes making health care more accessible and affordable, especially for veterans on fixed incomes and those in rural areas who have to travel long distances to see a doctor,” said Rep. Salinas. “The DRIVE Act would cut costs for veterans by ensuring they are fairly reimbursed for gas and other travel expenses to and from their appointments. I am proud to support this legislation because it will make life more affordable for those who have bravely served our country.”
The Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act would require the VA to ensure the beneficiary travel reimbursement rate is at least aligned with the General Services Administration reimbursement rate for federal employees using their personal vehicles for official business. The bill would also ensure timely processing to ensure veterans receive their reimbursement within 90 days.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt., and in the House by U.S. Representative Julia Brownley, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden, Hoyle and Salinas, the bill was cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Representatives Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Juan Vargas, D-Calif, Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., Brad Sherman, D-Calif., Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla, Ted Lieu, D-Calif, and Dina Titus, D-Nev.
The text of the bill is here.
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