Protect Rural Veterans: Stop the VA’s 2026 Home Care Rate Cuts in Texas and New Mexico
The newly released 2026 VA Community Care Fee Schedule threatens to devastate home care access for Veterans—especially those living in the rural communities of Texas and New Mexico, where care options are already limited.

While most states will see no changes to their reimbursement rates, Texas and New Mexico face massive, targeted cuts:

Texas: 43% reduction in home care reimbursement rates
New Mexico: 20% reduction in home care reimbursement rates
These are the only two states hit with such reductions, and both have large rural Veteran populations, many of whom rely solely on home care agencies to remain safe, independent, and supported.

 
Why Rural Veterans Are at the Greatest Risk
In rural areas, there are fewer home care providers, greater distances to travel, and already severe workforce shortages. These cuts will make an already fragile system even more unstable.

For Rural Veterans
Loss of the only available provider in their area
Longer wait times—or no caregiver availability at all
Increased risk of hospitalization due to lack of in-home support
Higher chances of being forced into institutional care far from home
For Caregivers in Rural Areas
Lower pay despite greater travel and workload demands
Difficulty affording rising fuel costs
Less incentive for caregivers to accept rural cases
High turnover and burnout
For Rural Home Care Agencies
Financial strain due to travel time, mileage, and staffing challenges
Reduced coverage areas, leaving entire counties without providers
Risk of closure, eliminating essential services for isolated Veterans
When rural agencies shrink or close, Veterans are left with no alternatives.

 
Why We’re Taking a Stand
As a home care agency serving these communities, we see firsthand how essential home-based care is for rural Veterans—many of whom live hours away from the nearest hospital or VA facility.

The VA’s 2026 cuts do not reflect the realities of rural care, where travel costs, staffing needs, and service demands are significantly higher.

We are urging the VA to reverse these reductions and restore reimbursement rates that allow rural Veterans to continue receiving the care they depend on.

 
Your Voice Can Protect Rural Veterans
By signing this petition, you help us demand that the VA:

Reverse the 43% and 20% rate cuts
Protect rural Veterans’ access to home care services
Ensure reimbursement rates reflect the true cost of rural care
Support the caregivers and agencies who serve remote communities
Rural Veterans often do not have multiple provider options. When their home care agency disappears, their care disappears with it.

 
Sign Now to Stand Up for Rural Veterans in Texas and New Mexico
These rate cuts will take effect in 2026—but their impact will be felt much sooner if agencies cannot sustain services.

Your signature helps protect the most vulnerable Veterans—those living in isolated areas with limited access to support.

Please sign and share this petition.
Rural Veterans are counting on us.

Thank you for taking action.