VA Emergency Transportation Access Act

The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act (H.R. 5530) would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from reducing reimbursement rates for emergency transportation—such as ground and air ambulances—unless specific requirements are met. The bill is a response to a proposed VA rule that would lower these payments to match Medicare rates, which many providers argue are below the actual cost of service.

If passed, the bill would require the VA to conduct a thorough review of how any rate changes would impact veterans' access to care, particularly in rural areas where emergency transport is often a lifeline. It also mandates that the VA consult with medical experts and industry leaders to ensure that future reimbursement rates reflect the true cost of providing these life-saving services. For veterans and their families, this legislation aims to ensure that emergency ambulance services remain available and that providers do not stop serving the veteran community due to financial losses.