Bishop, Vets Announce First Increase in VA Travel Reimbursements in 30 Years

Statement

BISHOP, VETS ANNOUNCE FIRST INCREASE IN VA TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS IN 30 YEARS

Today, Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-01) was joined at the Centereach VFW by Long Island veterans driving vintage cars to illustrate how many years have passed since the Department of Veterans Affairs last adjusted the mileage reimbursement rate. As a result of recent legislation, the VA has more than doubled the mileage reimbursement for veterans traveling to obtain medical care—raising the mileage allowance from 11 cents to 28.5 cents per mile. On Long Island, veterans usually must drive to the Northport VA Hospital to receive medical care.

"We have made marked progress over the last year in improving care for our veterans, but better health facilities won't benefit those veterans who can't afford to travel to receive care," said Bishop. "I am pleased that legislation we passed in Congress last year has enabled the VA to make this long overdue increase. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that our veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned."

In December, Congressman Bishop helped pass the fiscal 2008 omnibus spending bill in Congress, which dedicated $125 million specifically for a mileage reimbursement increase. The VA estimates that more than 1 million veterans are eligible for the mileage rate increase. The last mileage adjustment was made in 1977.

"As Post Commander of Centereach, I am pleased that our Congressman, Tim Bishop, has taken the initiative to help support our service connected veterans with a long overdue increase in mileage for their commute to and from the VA facilities," said Centereach Post Commander Dennis Sullivan.

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