S. 827: Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act, aims to enhance and extend the transportation grant program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The key provisions of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Extension and Modification of the Transportation Grant Program

The bill proposes several modifications to an existing transportation grant program established under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. These changes include:

Inclusion of New Organizations: The bill expands the types of organizations eligible for grants. Specifically, it includes tribal organizations and Native Hawaiian organizations among those that can apply for funding.
Changes to Grant Recipients: The language is revised to define grant recipients more broadly, removing specific references to state veterans service agencies or veterans service organizations.
Maximum Grant Amounts: The maximum amount for grants is set at $50,000. However, counties with more than five communities that are not accessible via the road system may receive up to 50% more in grant funding.
Redefinition of Terms: Definitions for "Native Hawaiian organization" and "Tribal organization" are provided, referencing existing laws for clarity.
Funding Appropriations: The bill replaces the previous fixed funding amounts for the fiscal years 2010 to 2022 with a new provision that provides for "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, allowing flexibility in funding allocation.

Goal of the Bill

The overarching goal of the legislation is to improve access to healthcare services for rural veterans by providing additional resources and support for transportation needs, particularly by facilitating funding to organizations that serve these communities.

Potential Impact

This bill aims to enhance the transportation options available for veterans living in rural areas, addressing challenges they face in accessing healthcare services. By involving more organizations, including those serving Native Hawaiian and tribal populations, the initiative seeks to broaden the network of support available to veterans in these regions.