Bill · H.R. 5277· House(119-HR-5277)
HEAL Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/22/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act," or "HEAL Act," aims to increase payments and allowances for transporting veterans to and from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. It changes the mileage reimbursement rate to match the rate for privately owned automobiles prescribed by the Administrator of General Services. The bill also prohibits the Secretary from requiring a deductible for travel related to examination, treatment, or care. Additionally, it expands who can receive these payments to include certain personal care service providers, veterans service organizations, and local government veterans service agencies.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+10
The bill is specifically designed to increase transportation support and reduce costs for veterans.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+9
Significantly enhances transportation benefits for veterans.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+8
Directly reduces financial barriers to accessing VA medical facilities.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
Increased mileage reimbursement rates and removal of deductibles will likely increase government spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill expands eligibility and increases the rate of reimbursement payments.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
Increases federal expenditures for veteran transportation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Mileage Reimbursement: By setting the mileage rate equal to the rate for a privately owned automobile prescribed by the Administrator of General Services, individuals may receive higher payments for transporting veterans (Section 2(a)).
-
Removal of Travel Costs: The bill prevents the Secretary from requiring a deductible for travel for examination, treatment, or care, which reduces the financial burden on veterans (Section 2(b)).
-
Expanded Eligibility for Payments: The bill allows personal care service providers, veterans service organizations, and local government veterans service agencies or their volunteers to receive transportation payments (Section 2(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups of people are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+10Good For People With Disabilities+7Good For Seniors+7Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Retirees+6Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Middle Class Households+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+8Improves Healthcare Access+5Improves Mental Health Access+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+9
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- 7/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/22/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 9/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida