Understanding the VA Travel Reimbursement Program
For many veterans, accessing healthcare can be a significant challenge, not only in terms of cost but also in terms of transportation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes this and offers a travel reimbursement program to help ease the financial burden associated with getting to medical appointments. This program is especially beneficial for those on a fixed income or with limited mobility.
The VA covers travel expenses for veterans who need to visit health facilities for treatment. In some cases, pre-approved care at non-VA facilities may also qualify for reimbursement. The current reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents per mile for any approved, health-related travel. However, this rate applies to the entire trip unless it’s an unscheduled appointment, in which case only the return trip expenses may be reimbursed.
Commonly Covered Travel Costs
The VA typically covers a range of travel-related expenses, including:
- Parking fees
- Road, tunnel, and bridge tolls
- Taxi and plane fares
- Mileage driven to and from the appointment
- Transportation via ambulance or wheelchair van
- Tickets for public transportation such as trains, buses, and ferries
- Necessary meals and lodging
These benefits are part of the Beneficiary Travel Program, which ensures that eligible veterans can access the care they need without undue financial strain.
Who Is Eligible for Reimbursement?
Not all veterans automatically qualify for the VA travel reimbursement program. To be eligible, a veteran must meet specific criteria, such as:
- Having a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more
- Receiving a VA pension or having an income below the maximum pension limit
- Having a spinal cord injury or disorder, vision impairment, double or multiple amputations, or being enrolled in a VA rehabilitation program
- Traveling for treatment of a service-related condition or a scheduled compensation or pension exam
Caregivers may also be eligible if they are accompanying a veteran who meets these requirements.
New Digital Feature Makes Filing Easier
To streamline the process, the VA has introduced a new feature in its Health and Benefits app. This update allows the app to automatically detect when an appointment may qualify for reimbursement based on mileage. It then prompts the veteran to submit a claim directly from the home screen. This digital approach aims to reduce the number of paper claims, which often take longer to process than electronic submissions.
In addition to the reimbursement feature, the app offers other helpful tools, such as the ability to refill prescriptions, locate nearby VA services, and review VA payments.
How to Claim Your VA Travel Payment
Veterans are encouraged to use digital methods to file their claims, as this is the fastest way to receive payment. This can be done by downloading the Health and Benefits app or by completing the necessary information on their VA.gov account.
For those who prefer a traditional method, a paper claim form (VA Form 10-3542) can still be submitted. It’s important to note that veterans must pay a deductible before the VA will reimburse them for their expenses. The current deductible is $3 for one-way travel and $6 round-trip for each appointment until the monthly maximum of $18 is reached. Once this threshold is met, the VA will cover the remaining travel costs for the month.
Additional Resources and Support
Beyond the travel reimbursement program, there are numerous resources available to support veterans. These include assistance for older adults through senior-friendly rideshare options like Lyft Silver, guidance for handling flight delays or cancellations, and programs aimed at helping female veterans feel seen and celebrated. Additionally, veterans can explore refinancing options for VA home loans to lower payments or tap into home equity.
By taking advantage of these resources, veterans can better manage their healthcare needs and overall well-being.
