For many veterans, a doctor’s appointment isn’t just about finding time in the day — it’s about figuring out how to get there. Long distances to the nearest VA hospital, gas costs, or the need for a reliable ride can make accessing care harder than it should be.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers transportation benefits to help veterans cover the costs of traveling for treatment. And now, a new bill in Congress — the Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act) — could expand those benefits even further.
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What Transportation Benefits Veterans Have Right Now
The VA’s main program for travel support is called Beneficiary Travel (BT). Here’s what it provides:
Mileage reimbursement: Eligible veterans receive 41.5 cents per mile for travel to and from approved VA or VA-authorized health care.
Deductibles apply: Most veterans pay a small deductible ($3 one-way, $6 round-trip, capped at $18 per month). Waivers are possible for financial hardship.
Special mode reimbursement: If you need an ambulance, wheelchair van, or other specialized transport due to medical reasons, VA may cover it.
Eligibility: Travel pay is generally for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or more, those traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, low-income veterans, or those needing special transport.
Many veterans also rely on Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) or local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), which run shuttle networks and volunteer driver programs to help bridge the gap.
What the HEAL Act Could Change
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Congressman Mike Lawler introduced the HEAL Act in September 2025, aiming to modernize transportation support. If passed, it would:
Tie mileage reimbursement to the federal GSA rate (currently ~67 cents per mile, compared to 41.5 cents today).
Eliminate deductibles, removing the out-of-pocket costs veterans pay before reimbursement.
Allow reimbursement for VSOs and local government agencies that provide rides, recognizing the volunteer networks that help veterans get to appointments.
The VFW has already voiced support, saying the bill ensures “no veteran has to choose between essential health care and the cost of transportation.”
Why Transportation Benefits for Vets Matters
Transportation is often an overlooked barrier to care. For rural veterans in particular, the price of fuel or the lack of available rides can mean missed appointments or untreated conditions. The HEAL Act, if passed, would expand and strengthen the current safety net.
In the meantime, the VA’s Beneficiary Travel program remains an important benefit that thousands of veterans use every day.
Key Takeaway
If you’re a veteran, you may already qualify for mileage reimbursement or special travel assistance through VA. And with the HEAL Act on the horizon, those benefits could soon be more generous and easier to access.
Stay connected with BenefitKarma to learn how programs like these evolve — and what steps you can take to make the most of the benefits you’ve earned.