Press Releases

 Earlier today, as first reported by The Kansas City Star, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced legislation to ensure veterans are reimbursed for any emergency transportation to a facility outside of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) network. Under current law, the VA does not fully cover emergency transportation to a non-VA provider. Veterans can file a claim, but there is no guarantee that their costs will be covered. The VA Emergency Transportation Act will change that.

Original Cosponsors of this bill are Representatives (6):

• Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)
• Greg Stuebe (FL-17)
• Young Kim (CA-40)
• Joe Neguse (CO-02)
• John Rutherford (FL-04)
• Derek Kilmer (WA-06)

Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement: 

“Missouri’s veterans selflessly served this country. We must support their health and prosperity at every turn. Under current law, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only covers emergency transportation within the VA network. This is absolutely unacceptable. What are these men and women supposed to do if they require emergency transportation or treatment outside of the existing network? 

Our bill will change this. The VA Emergency Transportation Act is necessary legislation that will make it possible for the VA to cover veterans’ emergency transportation and treatment outside of the VA network.

I want to thank my colleagues in helping introduce this legislation. I will always be a voice for our nation’s veterans and look forward to carrying this bill across the finish line.”