H.R. 5277 — HEAL Act

This section revises VA beneficiary travel reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. 111 as follows: (1) sets the mileage rate to the GSA privately owned vehicle rate when no government vehicle is available (from 41.5 cents per mile); (2) prohibits the Secretary from requiring a deductible for such travel; and (3) expands eligible entities for reimbursement when providing transportation to veterans, to include approved personal care service providers under 38 U.S.C. 1720G(a)(6) or (7), veterans service organizations transporting under 38 U.S.C. 111A, and local government veterans service agencies (including their employees or volunteers). This section also limits Department reimbursement for transportation by veterans service organizations under 38 U.S.C. 111A to amounts allowable under 38 U.S.C. 111. (The beneficiary travel program reimburses certain veterans—such as those with service-connected disabilities or low income—for costs to VA facilities for examinations, treatment, or care.)