ASSIST Act of 2025
ASSIST Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# ASSIST Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** The ASSIST Act would expand veterans' healthcare benefits to cover specialized automobile modifications that help veterans with disabilities drive or ride as passengers. These modifications would include wheelchair ramps, lowered vehicle floors, lifts for wheelchairs, accessibility features to enter/exit vehicles, and special seating. The Department of Veterans Affairs would fund these adaptations as part of medical services for eligible veterans.
The bill also extends a pension limit for veterans in hospitals or long-term care facilities through 2032. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily impacts veterans with disabilities who need vehicle modifications to maintain mobility and independence. It expands what the VA can cover under medical benefits, potentially helping more veterans access transportation solutions tailored to their specific disabilities. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 or the ASSIST Act of 2025This bill expands the definition of medical services for purposes of veterans’ benefits to include additional medically necessary automobile adaptations. Under the bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs may provide funding for the following medically necessary automobile adaptations for driver or passenger use: ramp and kneeling systems, lowered floors, occupied and unoccupied mobility lifts, ingress or egress accessibility modifications, and adapted seating. The bill also extends the limitation on pension amounts for certain hospitalized or institutionalized veterans through September 30, 2032.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.