Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act

H.R. 1733 would expand an existing Department of Veterans Affairs grant program that helps veterans access transportation for medical appointments. Currently, the program only covers veterans in highly rural areas, but this bill would extend eligibility to veterans in rural areas as well, reaching more veterans who face transportation challenges. The bill would also allow county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations to receive grants to help their communities' veterans with medical transportation.

The legislation would increase the maximum grant amount from current levels to $60,000, with an additional allowance up to $80,000 if a grant recipient needs to purchase a vehicle to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The bill uses the Department of Agriculture's Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding system to define which areas qualify as rural or highly rural. Currently in committee consideration, if enacted, this bill could help more rural veterans afford transportation to VA medical facilities and other healthcare providers.