Senators Marshall and Scott Introduce Legislation to Help Veterans Access VA Benefits

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) to introduce the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement (PAPR) Act, bipartisan legislation that ensures our nation’s veterans continue to have access to a paper-based system for reimbursement of their travel expenses to and from medical appointments.

This legislation follows a move from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a fully web-based travel reimbursement program for veterans, causing a roadblock for those without access to or experience with computers.

“Our nation’s heroes served our country with unwavering honor and dignity, and we need to ensure they receive the support they deserve,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “My office hears from countless veterans who are in need of assistance with web-based travel reimbursements, and I am pleased to work with my colleagues on a common-sense solution to this problem by introducing the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement Act.”

“Our veterans are American heroes, who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms as Americans. They have sacrificed so much on behalf of the country and shouldn’t have to face unnecessary hurdles at the VA, an agency designed to provide the support they earned,” said Senator Rick Scott. “This bill provides a simple fix that makes it easier for our veterans to get their reimbursements, by ensuring paper files are available for those with limited access to or experience with computers or online-based systems. I urge my colleagues to support the PAPR Act and pass it swiftly into law.”

Joining Senators Roger Marshall and Rick Scott are Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Angus King (I-Maine), and Gary Peters (D-Michigan). U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida-12) and Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire-1) led the companion version of this legislation in the House.

###