Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act

This bill helps veterans in rural places get to medical appointments. It expands a VA grant program so it’s not just for “highly rural” areas anymore, but also for “rural” areas, using the USDA RUCA system to define both. It also allows county veterans service offices and tribal organizations to receive grants to provide rides. The maximum grant goes up to $60,000, and up to $80,000 if an accessible vehicle is needed to meet ADA requirements. Funding is changed from a set amount to “as much as needed,” which makes the program ongoing.

Key points

• Who is helped: Veterans living in rural and highly rural areas who need transportation to medical care.
• What changes: County veterans service organizations and tribal organizations can get VA grants; grant caps rise to $60,000 (or $80,000 if buying an ADA-compliant vehicle); “rural” and “highly rural” are defined by USDA RUCA; funding is open-ended so the program can continue.
• Why it matters: More local groups can offer rides, and more veterans outside the most remote areas can get help reaching care.