This legislation seeks to establish fair reimbursement rates for home and community-based services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly under the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program . It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reinstate any reimbursement rates for these services that were reduced after December 31, 2025. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Secretary from reducing these rates below the December 31, 2025 levels unless Congress is notified at least 90 days in advance of such a reduction. To ensure ongoing oversight and transparency, the bill mandates that the Secretary submit an annual report to Congress. This report must detail whether the number of providers for these services is adequate to meet veteran demand, identify any regions with insufficient provider participation, and outline plans to address these shortages. Additionally, within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary must provide a comprehensive report to Congress describing the data sources, weighting factors, contractor involvement, provider consultation processes, and analytical methods used to establish all reimbursement rates for home and community-based services.
Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-5027| Senate
| Updated: 7/16/2026
This legislation seeks to establish fair reimbursement rates for home and community-based services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly under the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program . It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reinstate any reimbursement rates for these services that were reduced after December 31, 2025. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Secretary from reducing these rates below the December 31, 2025 levels unless Congress is notified at least 90 days in advance of such a reduction. To ensure ongoing oversight and transparency, the bill mandates that the Secretary submit an annual report to Congress. This report must detail whether the number of providers for these services is adequate to meet veteran demand, identify any regions with insufficient provider participation, and outline plans to address these shortages. Additionally, within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary must provide a comprehensive report to Congress describing the data sources, weighting factors, contractor involvement, provider consultation processes, and analytical methods used to establish all reimbursement rates for home and community-based services.