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To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs through their Beneficiary Travel program for health related travel, and for other purposes.

3/12/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1288

Bill 119 hr 1288, also known as the Beneficiary Travel Improvement Act, aims to make changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Beneficiary Travel program. The main goal of this bill is to increase the mileage rate that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers to veterans for health-related travel.

Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a mileage reimbursement to veterans who need to travel for medical appointments or other health-related reasons. This reimbursement is meant to help offset the costs of transportation for these veterans. However, the current mileage rate is considered to be insufficient by many veterans, especially those who live in rural areas or have to travel long distances to access VA healthcare services.

The Beneficiary Travel Improvement Act seeks to address this issue by increasing the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. By doing so, the bill aims to make it easier for veterans to access the healthcare services they need without having to worry about the financial burden of travel expenses. In addition to increasing the mileage rate, the bill also includes provisions for other improvements to the Beneficiary Travel program. These may include streamlining the reimbursement process, expanding eligibility criteria, or providing additional support services for veterans who require assistance with transportation. Overall, the Beneficiary Travel Improvement Act is a bipartisan effort to better support our nation's veterans by ensuring they have access to the healthcare services they need. By increasing the mileage rate and making other improvements to the Beneficiary Travel program, this bill aims to make it easier for veterans to receive the care they deserve.

Congressional Summary of HR 1288

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025 or the DRIVE Act of 2025

This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available.

The bill also requires the VA to ensure that an allowance based on mileage is paid not later than 90 days after the request is properly submitted to the VA.

Current Status of Bill HR 1288

Bill HR 1288 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 13, 2025. Bill HR 1288 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 13, 2025.  Bill HR 1288's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of February 13, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1288

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
4
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
45
Democrat Cosponsors
38
Republican Cosponsors
7
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1288

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1288

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs through their Beneficiary Travel program for health related travel, and for other purposes.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs through their Beneficiary Travel program for health related travel, and for other purposes.

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