The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has postponed the implementation of a controversial rule that would have drastically cut reimbursement rates for air and ground ambulance services for veterans. The delay comes after sustained oversight and demands from Congressman Ryan Zinke, who has been a vocal critic of the proposed changes.
The rule, originally set to take effect in February 2024, aimed to reduce reimbursement rates for ambulance services by up to 90%. It relied on outdated market data from 1998 for air ambulance services and 2002 for ground services. The proposed cuts threatened to render air ambulance operations financially unfeasible, particularly impacting rural areas. Granite County in Montana, for example, has already experienced a loss of ambulance services due to similar reductions.
Congressman Zinke, serving on the MILCON-VA subcommittee on Appropriations, has played a key role in delaying the rule. His efforts included leading oversight letters to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, introducing legislation, and advocating for amendments in the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Zinke’s advocacy led to the rule’s effective date being pushed from February 2024 to February 2029, allowing time for a new appraisal of market data and reducing the potential negative impacts on veterans’ services.
Zinke emphasized the importance of the delay, stating, “In rural areas, healthcare is hard to access, and we need to be expanding options for veterans, not limiting them. This delay will allow for updated data and ensure that lifesaving air and ground ambulance services remain available for Montanans. I’m pleased that the VA has recognized the need to halt a rule that could have been disastrous for veterans.”
Support for Zinke’s efforts has come from various organizations. Ken Greenberg, National Executive Director of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV), praised the delay, stating, “JWV applauds the efforts of Rep. Zinke and other Congressional leaders in delaying the rule’s effective date until February 2029. This rule, as initially proposed, would have jeopardized emergency air transportation for millions of rural veterans.”
The National Defense Committee also lauded Zinke’s actions, noting, “Rep. Zinke’s proactive measures were crucial in delaying this poorly designed regulation. His commitment to protecting veterans’ access to essential services has been unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to refine this flawed proposal.”
On February 16, 2023, the VA published a final rule to amend its beneficiary travel regulations, establishing a new payment methodology for special modes of transportation. The rule was initially set to take effect on February 16, 2024. Zinke, opposed to the rule from the outset, worked with VA Secretary McDonough to negotiate fair contracts for vendors.
In response to the rule’s implications, Zinke led multiple Congressional efforts to delay its implementation. These included drafting bipartisan amendments to defund the rule changes and leading letters to Secretary McDonough requesting a delay. Despite initial setbacks, including a delayed rule date to February 2025, Zinke’s continued advocacy has resulted in the latest extension to February 2029.
The delay will give the VA time to review and update market data, ensuring that the revised rule will not adversely affect the availability of vital ambulance services for veterans.
