The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs made a commitment to taking care of the health and wellness of our veteran community here at home; unfortunately, they are falling far short on that promise when it comes to emergency medical care.

As chairman of the West Virginia Senate’s Committee on the Military and a combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I am appalled by the VA’s recently published plan to slash reimbursements for emergency medical transportation services provided to our nation’s veterans and the communities in which they live.

Due to a rule change (“Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation”) slated to go into effect in February, the VA will cut reimbursement rates for ground and air ambulance services at or below Medicare rates, which means that the rate for providers will be brought to less than 60% of operational costs in some cases. Additionally, the VA plans to offer no payment whatsoever if veterans are transported to a non-VA facility — a significant departure from current practices.

Emergency medical services are a lifeline to access lifesaving healthcare for millions of veterans across the country, especially those living in rural locations with limited healthcare infrastructure. These services are particularly important for veterans involved in accidents or suffering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes or heart attacks, along with elderly veterans who need specialty care.

Additionally, should this rule go into effect, the cost of ambulance services will fall on the backs of already strapped state and county EMS agencies — if they are able to afford it at all. Sadly, at least 15 organizations licensed by West Virginia’s Office of EMS to respond to emergency calls have ceased operations since 2022.

Air and ground ambulance services employ veterans at higher rates than other industries, employing pilots, medical providers and mechanics. As a result, they play a valuable role in helping many veterans transition to civilian life from their roles in the military.

If this rule change is implemented in its current form, it may force ambulance companies to close many service locations, creating ambulance “deserts” and halting veterans’ access to emergency medical services.

Thankfully, the bipartisan “VA Emergency Transportation Access Act” has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House. This legislation would ensure proper review of the actual costs of ambulance transport and make sure that new rates reflect the actual costs of ambulance transportation. The bill would also create a forum for air and ground medical service providers to engage with the VA on future reimbursement rate modifications and prioritize maintaining services for veterans before changes to emergency access can be made.

This legislation is needed not only for the health and well-being of veterans, but also for our families and communities, as well as those returning service men and women employed in the emergency medical services sector.

Without action, ambulance services in rural areas are at risk and access to healthcare will be severely impacted. I urge our congressional delegation to support the “VA Emergency Transportation Access Act” to ensure the VA keeps its commitment to our veterans for all they fought and sacrificed for.

Republican W.Va. Sen. Ryan Weld represents the 1st Senatorial District and serves as the majority whip as well as the chair of the Military Committee and Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. He is an attorney with the firm of Spilman, Thomas & Battle, and Republican candidate for Attorney General.