Every year, millions of veterans miss medical appointments simply because they can't get a ride. But now, new legislation helps ensure that veterans can always get a Lyft ride to the doctor.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141) was recently passed by Congress and is now law. This new legislation reinstates the Department of Veterans Affairs transportation access program, which provides rides for veterans in need. Before the program expired in spring 2023, many veterans relied on it to take Lyft rides to medical appointments, housing resources, job opportunities, and food services. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the policymakers and advocates whose dedication and partnership ensured this program will continue to serve the veterans who need it most.

Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden said, "I applaud Congress for passing the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act to expand access to transportation services, including rideshare options, for at-risk homeless veterans across the nation. For many, these rides will be more than just a convenience, they can be a lifeline, ensuring our nation's heroes stay connected to the care and services they need. Thank you to House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano, and all the policymakers and advocates who have worked tirelessly to make it happen.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole Act is more than just a law; it's a promise to improve veterans' lives across the country. Access to healthcare and mental health services is crucial, and we are proud to be part of building a future where veterans receive the care and support they deserve."

U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost said,"No veteran should be without a warm place to call home. We must ensure that every veteran who is struggling has access to the resources and tools they need to be lifted out of homelessness to get their life back on track. That starts with innovative programs like the transportation and rideshare services VA offers which will take homeless veterans to and from medical appointments - free of charge. A reauthorization of this program is included in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21^st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. I want to thank Lyft for their support on behalf of the men and women who have served, and their vitally important role in ensuring that our most vulnerable veterans can get healthy and get their life back."

U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano said, "VA's partnership with Lyft to provide transportation to and from medical appointments, job interviews, and housing searches assisted thousands of homeless veterans in accessing the services they need. I am proud that President Biden signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act into law, which will allow for this partnership to continue. We know what works to get and keep veterans stably housed, and reliable access to transportation is one of the important factors."

Lyft is proud to be one of the country's largest providers of non-emergency medical transportation. Thousands of healthcare organizations partner with Lyft Healthcare, and we provide access to transportation for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Since 2020, Lyft Healthcare has been supporting veterans by providing access to hundreds of thousands of rides. We're excited to continue this important work and make a positive impact on veterans' lives.