Bill Overview
Title: Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adjust the mileage rate for beneficiary travel to or from a VA facility in relation to vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Such rate must be adjusted to be at least equal to the mileage reimbursement rate for vehicles that are privately owned by government employees on official business.
Sponsors: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans using VA beneficiary travel reimbursements.
Estimated Size: 8000000
- The bill targets veterans who need to travel for various reasons related to their health and rehabilitation, implying it includes those who use VA services.
- The global veteran population is substantial, but not all veterans use VA services or require such travel.
- Those impacted would specifically be veterans who depend on VA beneficiary travel reimbursements.
- Mileage reimbursement primarily affects those who require frequent travel to VA facilities, including rural veterans or those who require continuous care.
Reasoning
- The policy directly benefits veterans who frequently travel to VA facilities, providing a critical means for those who might struggle with travel costs, particularly in rural areas.
- Given budget constraints, the policy aims to effectuate significant impact selectively, perhaps focusing more on veterans with high travel frequency or distances.
- Since the policy adjustment aligns mileage rates to those of government employees, this might modestly increase well-being among those relying heavily on reimbursements.
- Veterans in rural areas or those requiring regular healthcare and vocational visits will likely see the greatest benefit due to relatively higher travel burdens.
- The American veteran target estimate is relatively large, so not every individual will be profoundly affected. However, the policy might reduce financial pressures for this segment when traveling for essential services.
- Expect relief in financial burden over the short term, translating to improved access to needed services and overall well-being.
Simulated Interviews
retired (rural Ohio)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Rising gasoline prices make the increased reimbursement necessary.
- The travel to the VA hospital is crucial for my health management.
- This adjustment is long overdue, given the increasing cost of living.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
part-time nurse (urban Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good for veterans who need to travel long distances.
- I don't travel much now, but I see many veterans who will benefit greatly.
- Cost savings on commuting would be welcome in future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
student (suburban California)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any additional funding to assist with education and job search travel would make a huge difference.
- Reducing out-of-pocket costs helps while being a student.
- Increased access to counseling will improve my stress levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired nurse (rural Montana)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I travel a long distance for every appointment, so increased reimbursement will definitely help make ends meet.
- It's been challenging to afford the travel costs necessary for my routine healthcare.
- I hope this ensures I don't cut back on necessary doctor visits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
government employee (urban New York)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support policies that improve veteran benefits, but this one won't affect me directly.
- Many colleagues and family friends will potentially benefit.
- It's important veterans in need get the resources to access VA services easily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired construction worker (rural Georgia)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Travel cost relief is much needed given the distance of travel involved.
- The local clinic is my lifeline for managing chronic conditions.
- Thankful that the government is adjusting rates to meet our needs.
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 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
full-time student (urban Florida)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even periodic reimbursements will help carry the education expenses.
- I believe it would help plan more frequent visits to counseling.
- I am glad to see acknowledgment of travel costs for veterans in urban settings too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
self-employed (rural Wisconsin)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Significant help in budgeting for monthly trips to the VA center.
- I hope this effort continues as a support measure for veterans like myself.
- Mileage reimbursements are a crucial benefit for many struggling veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired teacher (suburban Illinois)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good reimbursement levels mean VA services remain attainable.
- This would relieve me from the burden of allocating funds for medical travel unexpectedly.
- The adjustment matches my travels to treatment needs perfectly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
retired factory worker (rural Michigan)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 18.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financial help with transport can help me focus on health issues more effectively.
- Travel costs have eaten into my fixed income quite significantly.
- I'm hopeful this policy would maintain a great support level for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $102500000 (Low: $82000000, High: $125000000)
Year 3: $105000000 (Low: $84000000, High: $130000000)
Year 5: $110000000 (Low: $88000000, High: $138000000)
Year 10: $120000000 (Low: $96000000, High: $150000000)
Year 100: $130000000 (Low: $104000000, High: $160000000)
Key Considerations
- The VA's capacity to handle a potentially increased volume of reimbursement claims remains a key consideration.
- Reimbursement rate adjustments may create budgetary constraints and require redistributive adjustments within VA's allocations.
- The exchange rate in miles per dollar and specific travel patterns of veterans could heavily influence cost implications on a year-to-year basis.