Bill Overview
Title: CARS for Vets Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide (or assist in providing) an eligible veteran or service member with an additional automobile or other conveyance under the VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment program. Currently, a veteran or service member with a specified service-connected disability or impairment may not receive more than one automobile or other conveyance under the program. The bill authorizes the additional benefit for such veterans and service members (1) if more than 25 years have passed since the person last received such benefit, or (2) beginning on the day that is 10 years after the enactment of this bill if more than 10 years have elapsed since the person most recently received such benefit. The bill also includes certain vehicle modifications (e.g., van lifts) under the definition of medical services for VA health care purposes. Additionally, the bill extends from January 14, 2031, to May 16, 2031, higher rates for certain loan fees under the VA home loan program.
Sponsors: Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans or service members with service-connected disabilities or impairments
Estimated Size: 3500000
- The bill targets veterans or service members with service-connected disabilities or impairments.
- Specifically, it affects those eligible for the VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment program.
- The bill allows these individuals to receive an additional automobile if certain conditions are met, expanding the current provision which provides only one vehicle.
- This would improve mobility and independence for veterans with specific disabilities, directly impacting their wellbeing.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets veterans or service members with service-connected disabilities, focusing on those who need mobility assistance through vehicles adapted for their needs.
- The impact of the policy is likely to be high for individuals who are in immediate need of a new vehicle due to the expiration or deterioration of their current one, particularly since these vehicles often represent a critical component of their independence and mobility.
- Economic and personal wellbeing of eligible participants might be improved substantially if their mobility needs are met through this policy, leading to an increased Cantril wellbeing score.
- Considering the budget constraints, not all eligible veterans will receive benefits immediately, so the rollout might be phased or prioritized based on condition severity, location, or other factors.
- The policy has the potential to significantly affect the wellbeing scores of those who benefit directly, but for the broader veteran population, with a target size estimated around 3.5 million, impacts will vary significantly.
- Since there is a substantial veteran population with service-connected disabilities, only a portion will realistically get immediate benefits due to budget limitations.
Simulated Interviews
retired (Texas)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I really think this policy could help me a lot. My current vehicle is old, and it's getting hard to use with my wheelchair.
- The VA providing another chance for a vehicle is a big relief. I thought I'd never be able to afford another adapted car.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
data analyst (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a very positive step for veterans like me. It's difficult to maintain a single adapted vehicle for decades.
- However, I worry about how soon the benefits will reach everyone who needs them.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
teacher (Florida)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A new vehicle would literally change my life – it's essential for getting to work and daily activities.
- I hope this bill is just the start as many others need similar help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
government employee (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this act is important, but it doesn't affect me directly as I don't need another vehicle at the moment.
- However, it's great that other veterans might benefit from it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
unemployed (Illinois)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure if I'll qualify as I recently got my modified van, but it's still good for others who are eligible.
- I do believe such programs should remain and perhaps expand over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
nurse (Ohio)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a fantastic option. Personally, I don't need another vehicle yet, but it's good to know the support is there for the future.
- It's crucial for those with more severe disabilities who experience wear and tear faster.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired (Arizona)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a necessity for many older veterans. Replacements are crucial as old vehicles fail.
- I'm not sure how the funds will cover everyone, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
social worker (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a blessing if I can be part of it sometime. Transportation is one of the biggest issues I face.
- I hope they implement this policy efficiently for those who need it the most.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
retired (Wisconsin)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad for other veterans, though this doesn't directly apply to my situation.
- Ensuring fellow veterans have mobility is a great mission.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired engineer (Georgia)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy would allow me to regain some mobility and independence.
- I hope the application process is straightforward and accessible for older veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $550000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $650000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $720000000)
Year 5: $650000000 (Low: $520000000, High: $780000000)
Year 10: $750000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $900000000)
Year 100: $900000000 (Low: $720000000, High: $1080000000)
Key Considerations
- The actual cost could vary greatly depending on the exact number of eligible veterans applying for and receiving additional vehicles.
- The bill includes modifications to vehicles, which add substantial cost but improve accessibility for veterans.
- The allowance may create a financial strain if the program sees higher than expected uptake.