Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Kyrsten Sinema have introduced the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement Act in response to issues faced by veterans nationwide with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' new web-based travel reimbursement program. Senator Rubio expressed concern over the barriers created by the computerized system, stating, "My Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement Act would ensure that our nation’s veterans continue to have access to paper forms." Senator Sinema echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of making it easier for veterans to get reimbursed for medical travel.

In the House, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Chris Pappas have introduced companion legislation to address the challenges faced by veterans. Congressman Bilirakis criticized the VA's implementation of a policy that could leave many veterans behind, stating, "All of these Veterans deserve access to care and to the reimbursement program." Congressman Pappas highlighted the need to make it easier for veterans in New Hampshire to receive travel reimbursements, emphasizing the importance of ensuring reimbursement forms are available via mail and at all VA facilities.

The bipartisan efforts of Senators Rubio and Sinema, along with Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas, aim to address the issues faced by veterans in accessing travel reimbursement for medical appointments, ultimately working towards providing veterans with the care and support they deserve.