Should the Veterans’ Dental Program & Beneficiary Travel Expansion be Extended? (H.R. 5293)

What is H.R. 5293?

(Updated November 12, 2021)

This bill was enacted on September 30, 2021

This bill would extend authorities for certain Dept. of Veterans Affairs programs that serve veterans, including dental insurance for veterans and their survivors and dependents; a temporary expansion of payments and allowances for beneficiary travel connected to veterans receiving care at veterans centers; and extending a pilot program for the VA to accept donated facilities and other facilities improvements.

Argument in favor

Dental benefits and beneficiary travel are important components of keeping veterans, survivors of veterans, and dependents of veterans healthy. The pilot program for the VA to accept donated facilities and other facilities improvements can help ensure VA facilities are high-quality settings for veterans to receive care.

Argument opposed

This bill spends money on programs with an unquantified impact on veterans. Before Congress spends more money on dental care, beneficiary travel, and similar benefits for veterans, it should study the impact of this spending on the well-being of veterans, veterans’ survivors, and veterans’ dependents.

Impact

Veterans; survivors of veterans; dependents of veterans; beneficiary travel connected to veterans receiving care at veterans centers; and donations to the VA for facilities and facilities improvements.

Cost of H.R. 5293

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

Rep Frank Mrvan (D-IN) introduced this bill to ensure that veterans, their survivors, and their dependents have the resources to maintain good health and access care in high-quality settings. This legislation has no cosponsors.

Media:

• Bill Text