# Understanding the DRIVE Act

The DRIVE Act is about helping veterans get reimbursed for the cost of driving to medical appointments at Veterans Affairs facilities. Right now, the VA has a program that pays veterans mileage when they travel for health-related care, but the bill makes two important changes to how this program works.

First, the bill removes a waiting period and makes the mileage reimbursement mandatory rather than optional. Currently, the law says the VA "may" offer reimbursement, which means they have the choice whether to do it or not. This bill changes that to "shall," meaning the VA must provide the reimbursement. Additionally, it removes language that delayed the program from starting, so reimbursement would begin immediately.

Second, and most importantly for veterans' wallets, the bill requires that the mileage rate be set "at least" at a certain level, rather than just being set at whatever rate the VA decides. This language change is designed to ensure veterans get a fair reimbursement rate that better reflects the actual cost of driving. For veterans who live far from VA medical centers—which is common in rural areas—this could mean meaningful money back in their pockets for every trip to get healthcare. The bill essentially takes away the VA's ability to set the rate too low and makes sure veterans aren't losing money by driving themselves to appointments.

DRIVE Act

Brownley, Julia

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act or the DRIVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adjust the mileage rate for beneficiary travel to or from a VA facility in relation to vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Such rate must be adjusted to be at least equal to the mileage reimbursement rate for vehicles that are privately owned by government employees on official business.