Tipton Introduces Bipartisan "Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services Act"

Press Release

Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) has introduced H.R. 485, the "Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services' Act" (VREASA). This bipartisan legislation aims to correct the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) regulations that unfairly saddle veterans with emergency ambulance costs.

"These bureaucratic regulations are harmfully affecting America's veterans, and failing to deliver on the promise our country made to them in exchange for their service," said Tipton. "Emergency ambulance fees are a huge financial burden, and one that those who have earned healthcare benefits through their service should not be required to pay. This issue needs to be addressed immediately to ensure that veterans are not deterred from receiving proper medical care."

Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) are original cosponsors of the bill.

"Our brave men and women in uniform have sacrificed so much for our nation, and it is absolutely critical that we take care of them in return," said Wittman. "We owe our veterans the highest standard of care; something as simple as ensuring reimbursement for emergency ambulance services will go a long way towards relieving our veterans from the financial burden of health care costs. These women and men have earned these benefits through their service, and it is our duty to ensure they get the care they deserve."

"As a nation, we have a solemn obligation to care for all of our servicemembers," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "In my home state of Connecticut, we have over 200,000 veterans--many of whom reside in my district. And the idea that they and their families are bearing the financial burden of ambulance costs out-of-pocket is unconscionable. This important legislation closes that loophole and ensures veterans are reimbursed for those costs. Through their service and sacrifice, veterans have earned this and so much more--and we must give it to them. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Rep. Tipton."

The VA systematically denies emergency ambulance claims every year due to its interpretation of regulations, leaving tens of thousands of veterans to pay these bills out of pocket. This legislation is intended to Direct the VA Secretary to approve reimbursements to veterans for emergency ambulance services.

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