Travel pay goes electronic – effective January 2, 2013
Veterans have shared their concerns with the reimbursement process of the beneficiary travel program, and we understand your frustration of waiting 4-6 weeks to receive travel pay by check when you visit one of our VA North Texas facilities.
To improve our service in the travel pay program, travel pay will now be deposited directly into your bank account. This new process will reduce waiting lines and fraud, while eliminating lost checks and duplicate payments. The current waiting time will be improved to as little as five (5) days instead of 4-6 weeks.
Veterans, if you haven’t already done so, go to the travel stations and the clinics to enroll for this new process. You will need your financial institution information like account number and 9-digit routing number to complete the form.
Remember to sign the form once completed.
The completed form should be returned in person to the clinic clerk at your next scheduled appointment. Another option is to fax the completed form to (214) 462-4976.
Once we have received the completed form and enrollment sheet, simply sign the travel voucher when your next appointment is completed, and payment will be processed electronically to your bank.
Thank you for your service.
Questions about Travel Pay
Q. What has changed with the Beneficiary Travel Program?
A. Veterans’ Affairs North Texas Hospital and Clinics implemented a complete mail-out system to process beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement claims. Veterans will receive their reimbursement by electronic fund transfer (EFT).
Q. How do I enroll in the EFT program?
A. You may enroll by completing the EFT form. This form can be retrieved from any VA North Texas Health Care Systems facility outpatient clinic and the Travel Office. Once we receive your completed EFT form, it will take 10 days for processing before you receive your first EFT payment.
Q. How do I make a claim for mileage reimbursement at the VAMC?
A. Veterans who are eligible for this reimbursement benefit will simply complete VA Form 3542, after completing their outpatient appointment (checkout). Veterans may turn in their completed forms at any outpatient clinic. A secure deposit box is also located in the Beneficiary Travel area on the first floor of the medical center.
Q. When will I receive my reimbursement?
A. Your reimbursement will be electronically deposited into your bank account in as little as five (5) business days. Every possible effort will be made to ensure timely delivery of your beneficiary travel reimbursement.
Q. I receive care at a VA outpatient clinic or Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). How will this impact me?
A. There will be no difference in the reimbursement process for Veterans treated at CBOCs and Outpatient Clinics (OPC). Veterans treated at the CBOCs and OPC’s will enroll in the EFT program as well.
Q. Why is the reimbursement process changing?
A. The benefits are (1) elimination of waiting time after medical appointments; (2) improved efficiency in claims processing; and (3) reduction of beneficiary travel fraud. The EFT option allows for a more convenient and speedier reimbursement.
Q. What if I need my travel reimbursement now?
A. A one-time emergency payment will be granted for Veterans with emergent unforeseen travel circumstances. The one-time emergency payment will be recorded by the travel office.
Q. Are there additional changes to the Beneficiary Travel Program?
A. No, there are no additional changes to the program. Please note, Veterans must meet administrative eligibility criteria to qualify for this reimbursement benefit.
Q. If I have questions about this change in process, who should I contact?
A. Questions regarding the beneficiary travel payment change should be directed to Cliff Henry, Chief, Medical Administration Service at (214) 857-1320 or 800-849-3597 ext.71320. (Specific questions regarding EFT travel claims should be directed to Fiscal Service at 71216.)
