An Act increasing access to medical care for veterans

Plain English Breakdown

The bill is still under review, and its final status is uncertain.

Act to Help Veterans Get Free Transportation

This act allows veterans to use public transportation like trains, buses, and boats for free when they need to go to a VA hospital for medical care.

What This Bill Does

• It lets veterans ride commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle, and boat services without paying anything if they are going to or from a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital for medical reasons.

Who It Names or Affects

• Veterans who need to go to VA hospitals for medical care
• Transportation authorities in Massachusetts

Terms To Know

Veterans Administration (VA)

A government agency that provides healthcare and other services to veterans.

Commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle, boat

Different types of public transportation used by people in cities and towns.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill only covers travel for medical appointments at VA hospitals.
• Veterans must show proof of their appointment to use the free services.
• This act is still under review and has not been finalized yet.

Official Summary Text

An Act increasing access to medical care for veterans
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3881) of Adam J. Scanlon relative to increasing access to medical care for veterans by providing use of commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle and boat services at no cost. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Current Bill Text

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Bill H.3881

Section 5 of Chapter 161A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:— (s) The authority and any regional or local transportation authority in the Commonwealth shall permit any veteran, as certified by the United States Department of Defense, to use commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle and boat services at no cost to said veteran; provided that said veteran is utilizing transportation to travel to or from a Veterans Administration hospital for medical care; and provided further, that said veteran presents proof of a medical appointment on the date of travel in the form of a notice from the Veterans Administration indicating the veteran’s name and the date and location of said appointment.

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