Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act of 2026

This bill seeks to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure fair reimbursement rates for home and community-based services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs reinstate any reimbursement rates for the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program that were reduced after December 31, 2025, to their previous levels. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Secretary from reducing these rates below the December 31, 2025, level without first notifying Congress at least 90 days in advance of such a reduction. To enhance oversight and ensure adequate care, the bill requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress, starting 180 days after enactment. These reports must specify whether the number of providers for the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program is sufficient to meet veteran demand, identify any regions with inadequate provider participation, and detail the Secretary's plans to ensure adequate provider availability. Additionally, within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary must provide a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the methodology used to establish reimbursement rates, including data sources, weighting factors, the role of contractors, and consultations with service providers.