Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho)
Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick has introduced a bill in the U.S. House that would reimburse veterans for costs associated with travel to receive Veterans Administration health care. The first-term Democrat, who served two years in the U.S. Army, says the measure is intended to aid rural and small town veterans who bear a greater financial burden than urban veterans when seeking treatment at VA hospitals and clinics.
US Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) comments
[audio:111909_vetbill1.mp3]
Recently, Idaho Republican Senator Mike Crapo indicated he may be willing to throw his support behind the proposal and Minnick says he believes the bill will gain steam because the issue is important to both parties.
Minnick says the bill has bi-partisan appeal
[audio:111909_vetbill2.mp3]
The measure mandates that any veteran who travels further htan 150 miles be reimbursed for lodging and food at the same rate as federal employees.
The bill also allows veterans to seek that reimbursement if inclement weather leaves a veteran stranded and unable to travel home after receiving medical treatment.
Currently, reimbursements are determined on a case-by-case basis, and at a maximum of 50 percent of the federal employee rate.
