The Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act (HEAL Act) increases payments to veterans and veterans service organizations for transporting veterans to and from Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The bill changes the mileage reimbursement rate from a fixed 41.5 cents per mile to match the General Services Administration's standard rate for privately owned vehicles, which typically adjusts annually for inflation. The legislation also eliminates deductibles that veterans must pay for travel to VA medical appointments and expands who can receive reimbursement to include personal care service providers, veterans service organizations, and local government veterans agencies. This bill affects veterans seeking transportation assistance, veterans service organizations that provide rides, and the VA's transportation reimbursement program, though no specific funding amount is allocated in the legislation. The changes take effect upon the bill's enactment, with the mileage rate automatically updated each time the federal government adjusts its standard rates.
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