U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick is pushing a bill in the House that would require the federal government to reimburse veterans for travel costs tied to their trips to a Veteran Affairs hospital or clinic.

The Idaho Democrat says veterans should be allowed to live anywhere and not be penalized in the pocketbook if they live hundreds of miles from a VA hospital or clinic. Minnick’s legislation would mandate travel cost reimbursement to veterans traveling more than 150 miles.

Veterans would be repaid for lodging and food at the same rate as federal employees. The bill would also allow reimbursement if inclement weather leaves them stranded and unable to travel after getting medical treatment.

Veteran patients in the Magic Valley typically travel to Boise for care.

“Many Idaho veterans must travel on narrow, rural roads for the better part of a day just to reach a VA Hospital,” Minnick said in a statement. “If a snowstorm prevents veterans from traveling home after receiving care, they should not have to wonder how they will pay for a hot meal or a hotel room.”

Under the current system, reimbursements are determined on a case-by-case basis, and at a maximum of 50 percent of the federal employee rate.

Rick Helsley, state adjutant for the American Legion of Idaho, said the legislation would be welcome, adding that long-distance travel to VA facilities is common in this part of the nation.

“Especially in Idaho and some of the other states where the VA facilities are few and far between, it helps them make those appointments and also a lot of them are on fixed incomes,” he said. “A lot of them do drive great distances to get back and forth to the VA hospitals.”

Curtis Russell of Burley, chairman of the Mini-Cassia Veterans Advisory Board, said it’s not uncommon to stay in Boise overnight.

“If the weather looks like it’s going to be bad at night I’ll stay over in Boise instead of taking a chance and driving back, especially if my appointment is late in the day,” he said.

Cheryl Ringenberg, Twin Falls County veteran service officer, said the VA usually provides housing to veterans who need to stay overnight.

Bob Jackson Jr. of Twin Falls, adjutant for the local Disabled American Veterans organization, said he supports the idea of a higher reimbursement, noting that many Idaho veterans live in remote areas.

“As far as the travel pay goes I think it’s excellent,” he said.

The DAV works to help veterans who cannot drive to the Boise VA facility for care. The organization raises money for vans that transports veterans, with the VA paying for transportation and maintenance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.