Bill Overview
Title: Veterans Medical Mileage Adjustment Act of 2022
Description: This bill increases the rate for beneficiary travel allowances based on mileage (from 41.5 cents to 45.5 cents per mile) for beneficiary travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.
Sponsors: Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans who require travel to VA facilities for healthcare-related reasons
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill affects veterans who need to travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.
- It primarily impacts those veterans who are eligible for beneficiary travel allowances.
- The bill increases the mileage reimbursement, directly impacting those who use this for travel related to vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care.
- Veterans who live far from VA facilities and rely on personal transport will feel a more significant impact.
- According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 18 million veterans in the United States.
Reasoning
- The Veterans Medical Mileage Adjustment Act is targeted specifically at veterans who travel to VA facilities for healthcare and other related services.
- The policy's budget implies a moderate size program relative to the total veteran population—it affects those frequently using travel allowances for medical reasons.
- The policy primarily benefits those veterans living far from VA facilities due to increased travel reimbursement rates.
- Considering the estimated 3 million veterans who use VA healthcare and might travel for it, the program has a focused but significant target group.
- Well-being scores will likely increase for those significantly impacted, though not for all veterans, as only those with substantial travel expenses benefit.
- Most veterans not eligible for travel reimbursements won't see a change, not affecting their well-being ratings.
Simulated Interviews
retired veteran (rural Kansas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increase in mileage reimbursement is greatly appreciated.
- Travel costs add up, and this helps ease some of that burden.
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 | 5 |
working veteran (urban California)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think the mileage increase makes much difference for me since I live close by.
- It's nice to see them trying to help others though.
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 | 7 | 7 |
retired veteran (rural Montana)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extra mileage rate helps cover some necessary travel costs.
- I appreciate any enhancement to the benefits we get.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
self-employed veteran (suburban Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see some adjustments being made, but it won't change much for me day-to-day.
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 | 6 | 6 |
retired veteran (urban Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any financial help with travel brings some relief. It's a welcome change.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
employed veteran (rural New Mexico)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy means a lot to those of us who drive long distances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
unemployed veteran (rural Alabama)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The additional mileage helps with frequent trips.
- It's a real boost to those in rural areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
veteran counselor (urban Ohio)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While it's a good move, it doesn't directly affect me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired veteran (suburban New York)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is good but doesn't impact me much as I don't travel far.
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 | 7 | 7 |
retired (rural North Dakota)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new mileage rate covers more of my expenses, relieving some stress.
- It's a positive for financial well-being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $11500000 (Low: $10000000, High: $13000000)
Year 2: $11700000 (Low: $10200000, High: $13200000)
Year 3: $12000000 (Low: $10500000, High: $13500000)
Year 5: $12300000 (Low: $10800000, High: $13800000)
Year 10: $13000000 (Low: $11500000, High: $14500000)
Year 100: $18000000 (Low: $16500000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential changes in veteran transportation preferences could adjust the estimates.
- The overall usage of the VA services might alter over time with changes in veteran demographics.
- Inflation might alter the value proposition of mile reimbursement in future years.